Delay in SOP For Agitations And Queries Causes Discontent Among Student Organizations At Pune University
Pune, 18th December 2023: The promise of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing student union agitations, addressing staff queries, and addressing teachers’ demands at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) seems to be delayed, leading to frustration and an aggressive stance among student organizations. Despite a peace meeting held on November 18 with the participation of all concerned parties, the process of formulating the SOP remains stagnant even after a month.
The urgency for a new SOP arose after a heated altercation between student unions over membership registration on the first day of November, escalating into a larger political agitation. Concerned about the frequent disruptions affecting academic activities, the university administration, in collaboration with Pune Police Commissioner Retesh Kumaarr, organized a peace meeting to bring all parties to a consensus.
However, the meeting failed to produce a draft, leading to strong displeasure expressed by student unions. While an assurance was given that rules would be announced for discussion on the university’s website, there has been no visible progress in the situation even after a month.
Ram Tharkute, the city president of Yuva Sena, commented on the situation, stating that during the peace meeting in the presence of the police commissioner, assurances were made regarding the swift development of a model manual for agitations and other activities that would be unanimously accepted by all organizations. However, no tangible action has been taken on this SOP, leaving student organizations in a state of limbo.
The absence of an SOP has resulted in several challenges for student organizations, including their inability to carry out planned programs, limited scope for matters or questions of student interest, disruptions in meetings related to students, and the halt of public programs organized by these groups.
Adinath Javir, Secretary of Youth Congress Pune City, emphasized the immediate need for the university administration to organize a meeting with all party organizations to discuss and finalize the SOP regulations. He urged that any regulations formulated should be implemented with the consensus of all parties involved.
Dr. Vijay Khare, the In-charge Registrar at the SPPU, provided reassurance, stating, “We are in discussion with the student unions about the model functioning of the university. Soon you will see the new SOP.”
As stakeholders await the implementation of the promised SOP, the delay continues to impede the smooth functioning of student organizations and activities at Pune University.
