Karnataka govt mulls student elections in colleges, minister hints at polls this year

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government is considering conducting student elections in colleges, with Minister Sharan Prakash Patil indicating that polls might happen this year.

A committee, led by Patil and minister M Sudhakar, has been formed to discuss the feasibility of elections. The move aims to foster leadership skills among students. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s approval is awaited.

The committee, which will hold its first meeting on January 13, is expected to submit its report within two months, potentially paving the way for elections this year. The committee’s report will inform the government’s decision on reviving student elections.

The last student elections in Karnataka were held in 1989-90, but were discontinued later on due to issues like political interference, violence and caste conflicts.