Seven months into the academic session and over a month after its formation, the Meritorious Students' Council (MSC) at Lucknow University has failed to convene a single official meeting, leaving students questioning its very purpose and effectiveness.
A Council in Name Only
The MSC was finally constituted in December, a significant delay after the start of the academic year. However, students report that the council has been completely inactive since its formation. No meetings have been held to discuss its objectives, formulate plans, or outline how it intends to execute its stated vision for student welfare.
This administrative paralysis has translated into real-world problems for the student body. The absence of a functional representative forum has exacerbated daily difficulties on campus. A group of regular students expressed deep frustration over the lack of any accessible platform to voice their concerns.
Student Voices Left Unheard
"We were told that there is now a student body to address our issues, but in reality there is no one to approach," said Amitesh Pal, a student. He highlighted common grievances like getting official signatures on forms, basic washroom maintenance, and other daily concerns that students are forced to manage alone. "Authorities ask us to manage, but there is no platform where our voices are heard," he added.
Another student, Abhishek Maurya, echoed this sentiment, pointing to broken expectations. "We had expectations that the Meritorious Students' Council would at least listen to our problems, but even after months there is no clarity, no meetings, and no support," Maurya stated.
Leadership and Administration Cite Delays
When contacted, the council's vice president, Shreya Verma, revealed that their instructions so far have been limited to organizing cultural events, as directed by the Dean Students' Welfare. "As of now, we have been instructed to conduct cultural events by the Dean Students' Welfare. There has been no discussion yet on broader student related issues or policy level concerns," Verma said.
MSC President Ayushi Jaiswal provided more context, describing a gathering on December 19 that included both new and former council members. However, the event was merely a ceremonial certificate distribution. "There was no discussion on the functioning, plans, or responsibilities of the new council," Jaiswal clarified, underscoring the lack of substantive initiation.
The Dean of Students' Welfare, VK Sharma, attributed the delay to pending administrative approvals. "Two more students are yet to be added to the committee. We are waiting for approval from higher authorities. Once that process is completed, a formal meeting of the Meritorious Students' Council will be held," Sharma explained. This bureaucratic hold-up has effectively stalled the council's operational start, leaving a critical gap in student governance and representation at Lucknow University.
