English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) has decided to postpone its student council elections amidst criticism and ongoing protests. The university cited the Telangana Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for November 30 as the reason for the postponement. Originally scheduled for next month, the EFLU elections will now be conducted after the state Assembly polls. This decision has faced severe backlash from the students who question why the state Assembly election schedule was not taken into consideration earlier when announcing the students’ council elections. The Fraternity Movement of EFLU has demanded that the university hold elections according to the initial schedule, including the representatives to the ICC (Internal Complaints Committee).
The postponement of the elections by the university has come on the heels of protests by students demanding a fair investigation into a sexual assault case, reconstitution of the SPARSH (Sensitisation, Prevention and Redressal of Sexual Harassment) committee, and resignation of responsible authorities. Despite the extended vacations announced by the university, students resumed their protest, wearing masks and hoodies to avoid being identified and targeted by the administration. Earlier, the university’s Proctor had filed a complaint against 11 protesting students.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) in Telangana to carry out a free and fair time-bound investigation into the alleged sexual assault case. The NCW, in a letter, has given a deadline of seven days for the submission of the probe report. The allegations include the mistreatment of students by university security staff during the protests and the administration’s attempt to suppress their voices.
The protesters have also highlighted the need for the reconstitution of the SPARSH committee, which has been defunct since June 2023. The demands for justice and accountability have gained momentum after an incident of sexual assault took place on October 18, following a protest on October 16. The EFLU Women’s Collective has expressed concerns about the unsafe environment on campus and inappropriate behavior by professors, suggesting that the administration has turned a blind eye to these issues.
While the students have expressed their dissatisfaction with the university’s decisions and actions, they await the authorities’ response to the alleged sexual assault. The tense situation on campus underscores the importance of addressing the concerns raised by the students and ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment at EFLU.
In conclusion, the EFLU student council elections have been postponed due to the upcoming Telangana Legislative Assembly elections. This decision has faced criticism from students who are also protesting against alleged sexual assault and the administration’s handling of the situation. The National Commission for Women has called for a thorough investigation, and the students continue their fight for justice and accountability on campus.
