Pune University Students Engage in Political Work During Local Elections
In Pune, the ongoing series of local body elections has not only occupied politicians but also opened doors for students from Savitribai Phule Pune University. These students are being approached by various agencies that support political parties with a range of tasks, from candidate selection to voter outreach and booth information distribution.
Survey Work and Financial Incentives
Abhishek Shelkar, a postgraduate student in political science, shared his experience working as a surveyor for an agency aligned with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi during the zilla parishad elections. "Our assignment involved collecting details from approximately 100 individuals in a specific area, with payment ranging from Rs 700 to Rs 800," he explained. The surveys, conducted via Google Forms, aimed to gauge public sentiment, identify favored candidates, and highlight key issues. "We submitted the data to the agency for analysis, providing insights into voter trends," Shelkar added.
He noted that some candidates attempt to influence students by requesting positive feedback to secure party tickets. "As a political science student, this hands-on work offers a valuable close-up view of how politics operates," Shelkar remarked.
Diverse Roles and Student Experiences
Samadhan Dupargude, a Marathi PhD scholar, participated in the Pune Municipal Corporation election with the NCP. "The work was straightforward, involving a prepared questionnaire about candidate performance, local issues, and voter satisfaction," he said. Dupargude observed that voters sometimes expect direct engagement from candidates or party workers, while others genuinely discuss pressing concerns. "Additional tasks included verifying voter lists and reporting discrepancies to the agency," he mentioned.
Career Aspirations and Practical Learning
For some students, this work extends beyond financial gain to career development. Rajan Lagad, a first-year political science student, aspires to contest ZP elections. "Without a political background, it's challenging to grasp the intricacies of campaigning and party expectations," he stated. Lagad emphasized the importance of learning how to build support and understand voter issues. "Working with parties like BJP in PMC elections and Shiv Sena in current ZP polls provides practical experience that outweighs monetary benefits," he added.
Economic Benefits and Skill Utilization
The appeal of easy work and decent pay attracts many students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Rahul Sasane, a student activist, highlighted that students can earn around Rs 800 per day, potentially securing Rs 4,000 over five days to cover expenses like mess fees. "This clerical work is stress-free and accessible to all," he said.
Sasane further explained that political parties benefit from hiring postgraduate students who are already skilled in survey methods and smartphone usage for tasks like filling forms or searching voter lists. "It's a mutually beneficial arrangement, with students gaining experience and parties receiving diligent, unbiased assistance," he concluded.
