NAPSR urges DM & SEC to regulate poll campaign, minimise disruption to studies ahead of board exams
Sunday, 12 JANUARY 2025 | MANSI BHAMBRI | DEHRADUN
The National Association for Parents and Students Rights (NAPSR) has highlighted the need for the district magistrate and the State Election Commission (SEC) in regulating and limiting the timing of election campaign activities for the ensuing Urban Local Bodies (ULB) election. This is particularly vital to minimise disruptions to students’ study routines. Notably, the campaign efforts by nominated candidates—characterised by the use of music, loudspeakers and slogans—have posed significant challenges for students, especially those preparing for board examinations in the coming days. The written exams will start in February while practicals will begin later this month. Consequently, numerous parents and students have expressed their concerns and have appealed to the authorities for action aimed at protecting students’ academic interests.
The election campaign serves as a promotional strategy for political parties and candidates, typically featuring loud music, speakers and traditional instruments. In light of this, the prevailing atmosphere within communities can be quite disruptive, particularly for students engaged in their studies.
Regarding this, a parent Meena Jaiswal said that her son, who is currently in class X and preparing for his upcoming board examinations, has been significantly affected by the election campaign for the ULB elections. She said that candidates from various parties visit their colony every one to two hours, accompanied by loud music, to solicit support during the election period. Jaiswal said that this has become a regular occurrence that disrupts her son’s studies. While she acknowledged that holding an election campaign is not inherently wrong, she emphasised the need for authorities to establish designated time frames and to conduct campaigns without loud music and speakers.
Student Vansh Saini shared his concerns regarding the disruptive nature of the loud election campaigns throughout the city in the ULB elections. He stated that his ability to concentrate while studying is frequently interrupted by the noise from loud music, drums and other activities initiated by the various political parties during the campaign. To prevent this situation, authorities must recognise that the election campaign does have an impact on the social environment and the academic progress of students, particularly those preparing for board examinations. Campaigns that are free from noise pollution are preferable, he said.
Several parents and students have shared similar concerns regarding the election campaign, which has become a hindrance to students’ studies.
In light of this, the president of the NAPSR, Arif Khan told this correspondent that, in addition to the election campaign, studies have been affected by other factors as well. The government has assigned school teachers to election duties, which impedes their ability to provide and teach to their respective classes’ students. Further, election offices have been established near the schools. The crowds and noise near these election offices also disrupt students’ studying within the schools. He said that the election campaign is impacting students’ ability to concentrate on their studies. To mitigate the disturbances caused by the election campaign, he recommended that the DM and SEC Should restrict campaign activities to the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, after which no candidates should be permitted to promote their election bids using music or loudspeakers. Further, he suggested that the authorities should consider relocating election offices away from areas close to schools.
