The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a bill to restore student unions in educational institutes across the province, 24NewsHD TV channel reported Friday.

Drafted in 2019, the bill is aimed at promoting social interaction and the exchange of ideas in educational institutions. It states educational institutions shall have at least one nominee of the elected union in its syndicate and senate board with a committee for protection against harassment.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla presented the bill in the provincial assembly and highlighted its objectives, stating: "The student unions and their activities will promote students’ success by offering a variety of programmes, activities, services, and facilities that, when taken together, represent a plan for the development of the community at university/college level."

It barred union members from getting involved in any prejudicial activity. “No person or student shall indulge in any prejudicial activity in any manner whatsoever within the premises of any educational institution or any other place connected with or related to the educational institution."

It has been 38 years since former military ruler General Ziaul Haq barred students from assembling on university and college campuses to demand their rights.

Sindh becomes the first province that has lifted the ban on student unions.  Youth gathered outside the assembly to second the step. The ban on student politics was imposed in 1984.

The bill said student unions will be established in all private and public universities and colleges of Sindh. Universities will formulate student union rules within two months of the enactment of the Act. Workers of the People's Students Federation raised slogans in joy.