Referendum captures students' views ahead of General Elections

01:55 PM Feb 09, 2024 | Afternoon News

As part of the All India Students' Association (AISA)’s nationwide initiative of conducting a 'Young India Referendum' across public and private universities throughout the country, the members of the organisation received filled questionnaires from students of the Periyar University in Salem on Thursday and Friday. 
The referendum, slated between February 7th and 9th, seeks to gauge the sentiments of students and youth in anticipation of the 2024 general elections. 
This initiative follows a significant all-India signature campaign where students and job-seekers posed pertinent questions to the Modi-led Central Government concerning its decade-long tenure.The campaign underscores various concerns, including the decline of publicly-funded higher education institutions, encroachments on democratic spaces, suppression of dissenting voices, limited access to education, and the prevailing issue of unemployment.
On February 7th, the referendum commenced in several prominent institutions, including the University of Allahabad, Patna University, Delhi University, JamiaMiliaIslamia, Bangalore University, and numerous affiliated colleges across various states. 
The initiative, spanning over sixty universities nationwide, has garnered substantial support and enthusiasm from the student community.
In a broader context, the referendum aims to unify Young India in shaping the electoral agenda, prioritizing critical issues such as accessible education, employment opportunities, and women's safety on campuses, said the organisers.
In an update, the Salem Periyar University hosted the referendum on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, witnessing active student participation. 
AISA members, including Rahul, Shanmugasundaram, Venkatesh, and Sundarrajan, were present during the 
event.
As the initiative nears its conclusion, AISA has issued directives for the final day, February 9th, urging democratic counting of votes and subsequent announcement of results district-wise.