23 varsities, 217 government colleges to go polls on August 28

The state of Rajasthan will go for student union elections on August 28. The Higher Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari on Wednesday announced the schedule and dates of the elections. Surprisingly, this year, the students have been given a time of just two weeks for electioneering. In the previous years the student outfits used to get nearly one month’s time before the polling day.

Rajasthan has nearly 23 government universities and 217 government colleges where elections will take place. Massive arrangements, including those related to law and order and security of students and teachers are required for the smooth conduct of the student union elections which witness violence and disruption of public life every year. 

As per the schedule, the voters list will be published on August 21, objections on voters list will be called on August 22 and final list will be prepared on the same day. Similarly, candidates will file their nomination papers on August 23, which be scrutinized on the same day. A day later, on August 24, candidates can withdraw their nominations. Till the evening, a final candidates list will also be prepared. On August 28, the polling will be held between 8 am to 1 pm. The ballot-paper based elections will be conducted for four posts--president, vice-president, secretary and joint- secretary and the results will be announced later that day. After the results, as it has been the practice, the oath ceremony will also be held on the same day.

"Elections in State Universities will be held in accordance with the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee. After the election results, if oath ceremony is not conducted on that day, it will have to take place within one month. No activity relating to elections will be held outside the varsity campus. The government had already given detailed directions for smooth conduct of the elections," said Ms. Maheshwari.

The Minister warned against any attempt at breaking laws in the run up to the polls. "Strict action will be taken against student leaders who violate rules. For strict compliance of election code of conduct, Dean Students Welfare and College Election will be held responsible," she said. eom