SUSA expresses dissatisfaction over political parties for using ‘power cut’ for ‘political goals’: “Power cuts are not the only problem”

Sikkim university students’ body express dissatisfaction at some political organisation, as per SUSA, some political organisations have recently used name of Sikkim university to forward their own political goals. “We believe that the use of our university name for political purposes is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of academic freedom and independence.”

“We urge all concerned parties to respect the autonomy of our university and refrain from using our name for political purposes.”

Sikkim University Student body on March 16 issued a press release expressing dissatisfaction over Political parties using university name for political purposes. the press release was issued aimed at the March 15 power outrage due to stormy weather at Gangtok. “Sikkim University Students Association (SUSA) is dissatisfied with the way that some political organisations have recently used the name of our university to forward their own political goals. We urge all concerned parties to respect the autonomy of our university and refrain from using our name for political purposes. We also call upon the media and the public to support our demand for faster progress in the construction of our campus building.” Reads the press release

Power cuts are not the only problem we are facing at Sikkim University: SUSA

While we understand that bad weather conditions can cause power cuts and inconvenience, we want to make it clear that power cuts are not the only problem we are facing at Sikkim University; we face numerous other problems due to unavailability of our permanent campus. The slow progress of our campus building is a major concern for us. As a student association, we demand faster progress in the construction of our campus building

The end semester examination of Sikkim University MA and BA students was ongoing during the power outrage. Photos and videos of students writing examinations under candle light were across social media platforms.

Furthermore, in the press release, SUSA body stated that no permanent campus bigger problem than power outrage, “While we understand that bad weather conditions can cause power cuts and inconvenience, we want to make it clear that power cuts are not the only problem we are facing at Sikkim University; we face numerous other problems due to unavailability of our permanent campus. The slow progress of our campus building is a major concern for us. As a student association, we demand faster progress in the construction of our campus building”

“We acknowledge that building construction is a complex and time-consuming process that involves various stakeholders. However, we believe that there are ways to expedite the process and address the issues that are causing delays. We call upon the university authorities and other relevant stakeholders to work collaboratively to find solutions and ensure that the construction of our campus building progresses at a faster pace, while ensuring quality standards and safety regulations.” Added the statement

The student body highlighted the need for a permanent campus for the overall development of students, “As students, we are deeply invested in the future of our university and are committed to ensuring that we have access to the best possible facilities and resources. We believe that a well-constructed campus building will not only benefit us as students but also contribute to the overall development of our community and the region”. Said press release

The SUSA body further stated that, the student body is committed to working closely with the university authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the demands are met and that university continues to grow and thrive. “We will continue to monitor the progress of the construction and provide regular updates to our members and the public. We urge the university authorities to keep us informed about any developments in the construction process and to involve us in any decision-making processes that affect us as students. We believe that by working together, we can ensure that Sikkim University reaches its full potential and provides the best possible education and facilities to its students.” Press release concludes

Sikkim University was established on July 2, 2007, but it did not have a permanent campus of its own.
In 2008, the university paid INR 15 crore to the state government to acquire around 300 acres of land at Yangyang in south Sikkim to build a campus.

Earlier, in the year 2022, after 15 years of its establishment, Sikkim university shifted three tribal language departments namely Bhutia, Lepcha and Limboo of Sikkim University at permanent Yangyang campus.