Karnataka Cabinet Lifts 37-Year Ban on Campus Elections

In a significant policy shift for higher education, the Karnataka Cabinet has approved the reintroduction of student union elections across state universities and degree colleges starting from the 2026–27 academic year. The decision lifts a 37-year-old ban that had been in place since the 1989–90 academic year, when campus polls were suspended due to rising political interference and violence. Briefing reporters following the Cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara stated that the initiative aims to cultivate leadership, civic responsibility, and democratic values among youth. Under the revised framework, elected student bodies will comprise a President, General Secretary, two Vice-Presidents, and a Joint Secretary. While caste-based reservations have been excluded, two key positions—one Vice-President and the Joint Secretary—are reserved exclusively for women to encourage gender representation. To prevent political polarization on campuses, the government has strictly banned political parties and student wings, such as ABVP and NSUI, from contesting under official banners or interfering in election activities. Participation remains voluntary for private educational institutions, allowing campus management and students to decide jointly. The decision restores democratic engagement to campuses while establishing strict guardrails against partisan influence.