Patna: With 336 nomination forms sold in just four days, the Patna University Students’ Union (PUSU) elections—scheduled for February 28—are likely to witness tough contest this year as direct elections will be held for all five key posts and constituency-wise voting for councillors.Direct elections will be held for president, vice-president, secretary, joint secretary and treasurer. Councillors will be elected on a constituency basis, with one councillor for every 1,000 students. The unit-wise distribution includes: Patna Women’s College (5), Magadh Mahila College (3), B N College (2), Patna College (2), Patna Science College (2), Vanijya Mahavidyalaya (1), Patna Law College (1), Women’s Training College (1), Patna Training College (1), College of Arts and Crafts (1), faculty of social science (2), faculty of humanities (1), faculty of science (1), and the faculties of commerce, law and education (1).
The sale of nomination papers began at the PU sales counter at 10am on Wednesday and continued until 3.30pm on Saturday. Students can now file nominations between 10am and 3pm from Feb 16 to 18 at JP Senate House. Scrutiny will take place at 10.30am on Feb 19, and the list of valid nominations will be published at 5pm the same day.The grievance redressal committee will meet at 3pm on February 20 and convey its decisions by 4pm. Students can appeal before the VC at 5pm. Withdrawal of nomination is allowed until 3pm on Feb 21, and the final list of candidates will be released by 6pm. Polling will be conducted from 8am to 2pm on Feb 28, followed by counting from 4pm at the College of Arts and Crafts. The university has requested adequate ballot boxes and indelible ink from the state election office to ensure fair polling.Kumar said a committee of senior teachers and staff has been formed to ensure smooth conduct of the elections. All candidates must follow the code of conduct prescribed under the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines. “They are prohibited from wall writing, using printed campaign material, or organizing feasts or parties on campus. Any violation will lead to disqualification. Students who are chargesheeted or convicted in any criminal case will also be ineligible to contest,” he said.All contestants must obtain a ‘no academic year’ certificate from the examination controller’s office before filing nominations, as the Lyngdoh Committee permits only regular students without any academic breaks to participate.
