Most colleges and universities have unions which are expected to work for the welfare of students of a particular institution. Students’ unions are established to give voice to students and also to make sure that a particular institution is not manhandling the students, and their rights are not compromised. Some universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University and Aligarh Muslim University are famous for their students’ unions and elections are often a huge festival for them.
Where on one side these unions work for the betterment of the students, on the other hand, student unions sometimes cause trouble. During the college elections, disputes may occur among students, leading to conflict.
Certain advantages of college unions include:
1) Unions Are Against Discrimination
College unions are established to provide assistance to students. These unions fight for students’ rights and freedom. An institution of learning should be devoid of all kinds of discrimination and a students’ union acts as a watchdog on this matter. If a student feels that they are facing discrimination, be it on the basis of religion, caste, sex, class, or colour, a students’ union is always present to be of assistance.
2) Socialisation And Participation
College unions are responsible for organising various cultural and social programmes within the campus. Departmental fests and sports competitions attract huge crowds. These unions collect funds from the department, which is a difficult task because usually, college authorities completely rely on students when it comes to funding and organising.
This encourages a culture of independent events, and teamwork. Not only does the union work hard to put up a good show, but the fruits of their hard work are enjoyed by their peers as well.
3) Unions Stand For Unity
The best part of having college unions is that they strive to unite students all over. They are concerned not only about their respective colleges but support students of other institutions as well. This creates a feeling of unity and brotherhood among the students and they tend to support each other in all phases.
4) An Antidote To The Inaction Of Government Universities
Government universities are notorious for housing employees who are rude to students. They make students run here and there for simple tasks to be completed. College unions often make sure that students do not fall victim to such behaviour.
5) Assistance To Faculty And The Administration
Members of college unions help teachers and professors to understand the problems faced by the students. They make the college authorities aware of the needs of their needs and request for appropriate solutions.
It can be said that unions act as a bridge between students and teachers. Thus, they are not only representative of diplomacy, but also of action-oriented attitudes.
Even though, sometimes students’ union clashes give rise to trouble, their existence is necessary for the smooth functioning of an institution. There are some institutions that are devoid of unions and in such institutions, students have no voice.
It is also important to note that in a country where federalism is a key feature, it is only fitting that educational institutes be empowered in the same political way many other frameworks in the country are.
Now the question arises, to have or not to have a college union? The answer is pretty simple, students do need unions but I believe that a regulatory body should administer the functioning of these unions. This will ensure that the unions work as per the rules and regulations of the college and as a result, the peaceful environment of the institution will not be affected.