Archive · 3 Sep 2026
DUSU’s Journey From 1947 Student Proposal to Political Force
DUSU is the student union of Delhi University.
Its beginnings go back to August 6, 1947, just before India became independent.
Students wanted a group that could represent them.
The university considered giving the new union Rs 150 for starting expenses.
The union later struggled because it spent more money than it received.
By March 1954, it had a constitution and had held its first elections.
In 1973, university officials considered new rules for managing the union.
These rules described elected leaders, councils and financial checks.
Today, DUSU is an important part of student life and campus politics, and its election is scheduled for September 18.
Delhi University considered creating a representative student union on August 6, 1947, and proposed an initial grant of Rs 150.
The union faced financial difficulties, reporting expenditure of Rs 1,995 against income of Rs 815 in March 1954.
By March 1954, DUSU had received a constitution and held its first elections.
The Executive Council considered an interim constitution in 1973 that introduced administrative and financial controls.
DUSU now has elected office-bearers, representative councils and elections that draw national political attention; this year’s poll is scheduled for September 18.
- Who
- Students seeking representation, Delhi University officials and the University Students’ Union were involved in DUSU’s formation and development.
- What
- Delhi University developed a formal student union with elected office-bearers, representative councils and administrative controls.
- When
- The proposal was considered on August 6, 1947; the first elections had been held by March 1954; an interim constitution was considered on August 2, 1973; this year’s election is scheduled for September 18.
- Where
- Delhi University in New Delhi.
- Why
- Students wanted a collective and representative voice within the university.
- Founding proposal
- The Executive Council considered establishing a University Union of students on August 6, 1947.
- Initial funding
- The university considered a Rs 150 grant for preliminary expenses.
- Early grant support
- The university noted that Rs 500 had already been given to the union in 1953.
- 1954 finances
- The union reported expenditure of Rs 1,995 against income of Rs 815.
- First elections
- University records noted that DUSU had received a constitution and held its first elections by March 1954.
- Interim constitution
- The Executive Council considered abrogating the existing constitution and introducing an interim constitution on August 2, 1973.
- Subscription fee
- The fee rose from Rs 5 before 2013-14 to Rs 20 in 2013-14 and Rs 40 on June 21, 2024.
