Lyngdoh Committee on Student Elections

The Lyngdoh Committee prescribed rules to make student union elections regular, fair and less dependent on money or outside political influence. Constituted by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development under J. M. Lyngdoh, it submitted its recommendations in 2006, covering representation, candidate eligibility, campaign conduct, expenditure and grievance redressal.

Election structure and schedule

The framework sought to preserve student representation while allowing the election model to suit an institution’s size and circumstances.

• Institutions could use direct elections or indirect elections through elected class representatives, rather than follow one uniform model.
• Elections should be held annually, ordinarily within six to eight weeks of the commencement of the academic session.
• The entire election process, from nominations to declaration of results, should not exceed 10 days.

Eligibility to contest

Candidates were expected to be regular, full-time students with satisfactory academic standing and attendance.

• The prescribed age range for undergraduate candidates was 17-22 years, with appropriate relaxation for longer professional courses.
• For postgraduate candidates, the recommended maximum age was 24-25 years; for research students, it was 28 years.
• Candidates should have no academic arrears in the year of contesting and should meet the institution’s minimum attendance requirement or 75% attendance, whichever was higher.
• Candidates should have no previous criminal record and should not have been subjected to disciplinary action by university authorities.
• A candidate could contest once for an office-bearer position and twice for an executive-member position.

Campaign finance and conduct

The Committee prescribed a code of conduct intended to limit expenditure, disruption and coercion.

• Election expenditure was capped at ₹5,000 per candidate, and candidates had to submit audited expenditure accounts within two weeks of the results.
• Candidates could receive voluntary contributions from students but could not obtain funds from political parties or other outside sources.
• Printed posters and pamphlets were prohibited; handmade campaign material was permitted only at designated places.
• Campaigning could not use loudspeakers or vehicles, disrupt classes, deface property, intimidate voters, or appeal to caste or communal feelings.

Enforcement and grievance redressal

A grievance redressal cell was recommended to handle election-related complaints and enforce the rules.

• Violations could attract corrective measures, disciplinary action or cancellation of candidature or election, depending on the breach.
• Institutional authorities were responsible for maintaining order while enabling peaceful student participation.