Panjab University Student Council Elections on Sept 3, poll code imposed

This year, according to the PU authorities, car rallies on campus are completely banned with no vehicles allowed in the campus without a sticker. With the administration implementing the code of conduct, no demonstration will be allowed on campus.

The process of nominations will begin on August 27, followed by scrutiny.

The list of candidates will be displayed by 12 noon, with the filing of objections and provisional list and objections to be submitted to the DSW by 2:30 pm.

The approved list of candidates, withdrawals and final list will be displayed on August 28.

After the end of polling in each department on September 3, counting of votes for officer bearers will begin at 12 noon and the results of officer bearers will be declared, at the Gymnasium Hall. The Executive Election is scheduled for September 11, and participation will be restricted to only department representatives and office bearers.

PSU (Lalkaar) announces presidential candidate

The Punjab Students Union (Lalkaar) on Friday announced its participation in the upcoming student council elections, to be held on September 3, and named Jobanpreet from the Philosophy Department, Panjab University, as its presidential candidate.

Jobanpreet described PSU (Lalkaar) as a revolutionary student organisation. He said that while his party’s philosophy addresses the real issues faced by students, the opposition politics is driven by money, power and influence of political parties.

“We aim to counter organisations that promote flashy politics or create a communal atmosphere,” Jobanpreet said, adding that the goal is also to revive student-centric and progressive politics.

He also said his party is working towards preserving the university as a public institution.

One of the senior members of the party, Manika, said that they are continuously highlighting the concerns raised by the students that include fee hikes, failure to uphold hostel rights and recruit professors, attacks on scholarship rights, increase in canteen rates, and increased police presence and mandatory affidavits further curbing students’ freedom of speech.

Manika, who also stood for the presidential post previously, said every year one of the many fees — tuition fees, examination fees or any other — is increased by 5 to 7.5 per cent or more.

Apart from this, she said, there is also a severe shortage of hostels, forcing students to live outside and pay exorbitant rents.

According to available information, UGC has sanctioned 1,334 faculty posts for the university, of which only 681 are filled.

The senior member said many professors will retire soon and some are on extension. With this faculty crunch and several research scholars taking classes, the quality of education has gone down in several departments.

Violence on campus, dissolution of the senate and FIRs against protesting students are some of the other concerns that students have voiced, Manika said.

Jobanpreet also added: “With the implementation of the New Education Policy, the number of self-financed courses has increased, and in this atmosphere, the role of student council elections becomes extremely significant.”

“The aim is to reclaim the democratic space, reduce rising fees, fulfil the infrastructural needs and dismantle muscle-powered organisations,” he said.

Jobanpreet concluded by quoting Bhagat Singh and said: “‘The sword of revolution is sharpened on the whetstone of ideas.’”

GGSU members join SOPU

The Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) received a major boost when senior student leader Deep Somal, along with his colleagues from the Gandhi Group Students Union (GGSU), joined the organisation on Friday, a SOPU statement said.

Welcoming them into the organisation, SOPU president Balraj Sidhu said, “This is not just an addition of numbers, but a strengthening of the student movement to restore issue-based politics in Panjab University.

SOPU secretary general Karanvir Singh Kranti said, “SOPU has always stood with students and will continue to fight for their rights and welfare.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the elections, the Student Organisation of India announced its panel at the Students Centre on the Panjab University Campus on Friday.