Stories
Odisha Govt Directs Institutes to Ensure Violence-Free Students Union Elections
- •The Odisha Higher Education Department has issued strict guidelines for a violence-free students union election, scheduled to be held on October 15 after a gap of eight years.
- •Higher Education Department Secretary Aravind Agrawal directed all institutions to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards campus violence following a recent confrontation at Khallikote Unitary University.
- •Eligible students must meet age criteria, maintain at least 75 percent attendance, have no criminal record, and adhere to a maximum campaign expenditure of Rs 5,000.
- •The guidelines strictly prohibit the use of outsiders, abusive comments, processions without written permission, and AI-generated fake content during the campaign period.
- •Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and DGP Vinaytosh Mishra emphasized strict adherence to the Lyngdoh Committee report and warned of strong action against violators and outsiders.
Key Questions Answered
The student union elections in Odisha public universities and colleges will be held on October 15, with polling scheduled from 8 am to 2 pm. Counting of votes and the declaration of results will take place on the same day, followed by the oath-taking ceremony for elected representatives on October 16.
Candidates must meet specific age limits (17-22 years for UG and 25 or below for PG courses), maintain at least 75 percent classroom attendance, and have a clean criminal record. Additionally, the maximum permitted expenditure for campaigning is capped at Rs 5,000 per candidate.
The student union elections are returning after a gap of eight years, as the previous government had suspended campus polls since 2018 due to concerns over campus violence and the Covid-19 pandemic.
