A notification regarding the student union elections has been issued. Aspiring candidates are scheduled to file their nomination papers on the 9th of this month between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The state police have taken a significant decision to maintain peace on the campus; a special three-member coordination committee will be constituted, comprising the District Collector, the Superintendent of Police (SP), and college authorities. The District Collector and the SP will visit the campus, and the committee will interact with students to hear their grievances and concerns. The committee will also ensure that there is no interference by non-students on the campus.
A meeting regarding election preparations was held under the chairmanship of Higher Education Department Secretary Arabinda Agrawal. The Higher Education Secretary has directed college principals, university registrars, and PG Council chairpersons to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards campus violence during the elections. Instructions have also been issued to constitute committees for managing the election process, prepare ballot papers and ballot boxes, and strictly adhere to all election guidelines. College and university campuses have become abuzz with activity following the announcement of student union elections. However, the campus of Khallikote Unitary University turned volatile on Monday after a clash broke out between two student groups. Police arrived to investigate the incident and have been deployed on the campus; they are checking the identity cards of students before allowing them to enter through the university gates. University authorities have stated that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain order on the campus.
Meanwhile, direct elections will not be held at Gangadhar Meher University (GMU). Instead, the selection process used previously will continue, with specific student representatives being chosen. They will be eligible for selection if they have 75 percent attendance. Elections were last held at GM University in 1998. GMU Public Relations Officer Dr. Atul Kumar Pradhan provided this information.
