Ex-CEC for student groups in varsities to bring reforms

SHILLONG, Oct 4: Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Navin B Chawla, has suggested that every university should have an active students’ group which, in the long run, will usher in reforms in the electoral process.
Chawla said this during a lecture series organised by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) on ‘Elections in India as well as in Neighbourhood’ on Sunday.
Giving a ringside view of the history, the innerworkings, and the future of elections in India, the former CEC said, “Every university should have an active students’ group so that they (students) can express their (political) views freely within and across the institutions and help bring reforms in the electoral process.”
During the interactive session, Chawla also responded to many questions raised by the students. In one such response, he said that the government should develop a mechanism to train and educate the voters of the country so that they are aware about the candidates and their backgrounds.
Later, Chawla also unveiled a statue of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at the Nehru Park of USTM.
On the other hand, USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoqu, in his address, maintained that the lecture series by the former CEC will benefit the students and teachers of the university.
Others who attended the programme include Prof. Mohammed Basheer from Assam University, USTM Vice Chancellor Prof GD Sharma, ADC of Kamrup Metro Anurag Rudra, students, teachers, et al.