MU senate elections announced amid controversy over plummeting voter list

After significant delays and much anticipation Mumbai University has officially announced the schedule for its Graduate Senate elections set to take place on September 22 2024 While this announcement has come as a relief to many within the university community who have been eagerly awaiting clarity on the electoral process it arrives amid chaos and allegations concerning a drastic reduction in the number of registered graduate votersDespite the election schedule announcement the process has been mired in controversy particularly regarding the registration of voters in the graduate constituency This issue has been plagued by accusations of duplication fraudulent registrations legal battles and the annulment of voter lists last yearIt has been almost two years and Mumbai University still lacks a full senate The previous senatersquos term concluded in August 2022 before it was dissolvedThe Senate consisting of representatives from teachers principals graduates and college management serves as the universitys oversight body and holds the authority to approve the budget While elections of remaining members are completed graduate members are yet to be elected to the body In the absence of graduate senate members the senate remains incompleteWith no functioning senate since August 2022 due to the conclusion of its term a significant portion of decisionmaking authority has been vested in the vicechancellorThe Chaos and ControversyMumbai University recently released a new Senate voter list revealing a significant drop in voter registrations In March 2023 122000 graduates registered for the Senate election process However after scrutiny only 90000 voters were finalized Following a new registration process the number of applications plummeted to 27000 just 2237 of the previous registration Out of these only 13406 voters have been confirmed in the list announced on WednesdaySantosh Gangurde a student activist and state chief organizer of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena has criticized the administration saying This is pathetic the university administration is trampling on the democratic rights of registered graduates In the last three Senate elections voter registration was 62000 in 2018 46000 in 2010 and approximately 32000 in 2005 Now in July 2024 with only 13406 voter registrations the formation of part of the Senate of Mumbai University will depend on just 13000 graduates The university administration has brought an end to democracy causing Rajabai Tower to bow its head in shameThe drastic decline in voter registrations has raised serious concerns about the universitys administrative processes and transparency Many are calling for reforms to restore faith in the democratic processes within the institutionSignificance of the ElectionsThese elections are significant as they come after prolonged delays due to administrative and regulatory challenges The Graduate Senate is a vital body that influences key decisions affecting the universitys future direction policies and educational standardsUniversitys Commitment to Fair ElectionsMumbai University has reiterated its commitment to conducting fair and transparent elections The administration has assured all stakeholders that measures are in place to facilitate a smooth electoral process ensuring that the voices of the graduate community are heard and represented stated an official from Mumbai UniversityAs the university prepares for the upcoming elections the administration faces immense pressure to address these issues and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process that reflects the democratic values it upholdsElection DetailsThe universitys election notification outlines that the elections will cover various constituencies including Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes Other Backward Classes and women as well as opencategory candidates Aspiring candidates and voters must register through the official university portal to participate in the electionThe process governed by the Maharashtra Public Universities Act 2016 is designed to ensure transparency and fairness The election will allow graduates to elect representatives who will play a crucial role in shaping the academic and administrative policies of Mumbai UniversitySteps for RegistrationApplication Submission Candidates must complete their nominations through the online portal by August 12 2024Verification and Approval All applications will undergo scrutiny with a final list of approved candidates to be released by August 20 2024Voting Day Elections will be held on September 22 2024 from 900 AM to 500 PM across designated polling centres