19 August,2011 08:32 AM IST | | Vatsala Shrangi
Rules to maintain sanctity of varsity website, Facebook page spelt out
Delhi University (DU) has yet again put up a code of conduct for the students' union 2011 elections, however, with a few changes. This will be the 57th year of students' elections at DU.
Poll dance: This will be the 57th year of students' elections at Delhi
University. file pic
Keeping the basic format as per the recommendations given by the Lyngdoh Committee set up by the United Progressive Alliance-led government in 2006, the university has spelt out certain provisions for the elections due on September 9.
Three-point code
According to the election committee set up by the authorities this year, there was a need to clarify certain provisions about which confusion had prevailed in the previous years. These were regarding three main aspects-academic eligibility of candidates, sanctity of the university website and Facebook page and prohibition on the use of loudspeakers, vehicles and animals for canvassing.
These conditions have been re-interpreted by the election committee and rephrased in order to make the implications clear to those students who will be contesting this year. The academic profile of a candidate is important. Those having attendance below 75 per cent, or are to reappear for any examination, will not be eligible for candidature.u00a0
u00a0"The directions are same as every year, as per the Supreme Court and the Lyngdoh committee. We have just intended to spell these out so that students are not confused and understand the terms properly," said I Usha Rao, Chief Election Officer.
She added, "We are all for the students and it is for them. Since they are young blood, we have tried to clarify the points so that they do not land in trouble later on. They are free to post their agenda and election content on the DU website and Facebook. It is just they have to be careful not to deface them."
According to officials, students have all the freedom to take forward their propaganda and for the posters they have the Wall of Democracy.
Braille-enabled EVMs
Apart from these, the Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) of DU has introduced for the first time, Brail scripts-enabled EVMs, so that the visually-challenged students do not need assistance for voting. The EOC is also working to make the candidates' list to be displayed outside the election booths available in Braillele. Besides, the election criteria, manifestos and literature would also be produced in Hindi.
Protests
Around 500 DU students, under the banner of ABVP and NSUI, protested throughout the campus on Thursday. A few colleges did not have classes from 9.30am-Noon. ABVP gave a call of "All India Bandh".
