No paper in DU elections

Students to vote with click of a mouse on September 14

 Delhi University’s student's union election committee members have decided to have paperless elections this year. All election-related documents, affidavits, nomination papers will be uploaded on the varsity's website soon, ahead of the September 14 poll.

 “We will have an advisory body meeting on Tuesday where the decision will be passed. The idea is to create transparency. Since everything related to the election will be on the website, the students don’t have to run around,” said Satish Kumar, a member of the election committee. Documents like code of conduct, Supreme Court guidelines on students’ union elections, DUSU constitution and other related affidavits will be on the website. “The code of conduct document will be uploaded in a day or two.

We have already started the inspection required in the code of conduct. There is a ban on using printed posters and a limit in using handmade posters. We are inspecting the campus regarding this,” added Kumar. The committee will also upload a complaints section. “There will be an email ID for complaints which will come directly to us,” the member said. Although students’ union members have welcomed the move they feel that offline option to fill nomination papers should be given.

 “There were technical glitches with this year online admission forms. Such glitches may occur during election also if it is implemented without proper planning. There should be an offline option also,” said Rohit Chahal, state secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.  Students’ union members from other parties also shared the similar view. All entry points to the campus will be under camera surveillance. 

 “The area from Vishwavidyalaya Metro station to Malka Ganj area of the north Delhi will be under CCTV surveillance,” Kumar said. “We will have a meeting with joint commissioner of police, intelligence officers and officials from special cell who will give us the blueprint of security measures to be taken during elections,” Kumar added.  

A senior official from the DU said around 50 CCTV cameras have been installed in different locations on the campus. “The entry point surveillance will be to keep a check on the crowd and act swiftly in case of any doubt,” official added.The committee members are trying to conduct a violence-free election. 

 “Last year there were minor tussles. Zero violence DUSU election is possible. Every complaint will be taken seriously and an FIR will be filed immediately. We will send the message clearly that in the name of elections no violence is acceptable,” Kumar said.