Heated Syndicate meet likely at MSU

VADODARA, Aug 1: A heated discussion on the recommendations of the committee on sexual harassment is likely in the MSU's syndicate meetin...

VADODARA, Aug 1: A heated discussion on the recommendations of the committee on sexual harassment is likely in the MSU’s syndicate meeting which is scheduled for Monday, with members divided on the report.

Speaking to Express Newsline, one of the members said, “The report has taken a very biased stand, it has targeted faculty members.” He added that very little action had been suggested against students who levelled false allegations.

While the perceived anti-teacher bias is one of the causes of discontentment among the syndicate members, the other issue which the syndicate members are expected to debate is regarding the charges of the varsity’s General Education Auditorium.

“After air-conditioning was installed in the auditorium, the charges fixed became very high,” said the member. He added that the per-day charge has been fixed at Rs 6,000. “This rate definitely cannot be paid by students,” he said. He added that even the earlier charges had been on the higher side. The syndicate will reportedly debate on the committee’s recommendations on student union elections. Students have already objected to the ruling that they would be allowed to contest for seven years. The meeting was adjourned on Friday.

“If elections are cancelled for a year, it is not clear from the committee’s recommendations whether that year would be considered or not,” pointed out a senior syndicate member.

He added that since the students had already submitted a memorandum on the matter, the syndicate would have to generate an opinion about it.