PUCSC elections: University enforces code of conduct, over 70,000 to vote

Over 70,000 students, including around 16,000 from the university and more than 55,000 from 11 affiliated colleges, are expected to participate in voting, scheduled on September 3.

Dean Students Welfare (DSW) Prof Amit Chauhan told reporters that “the administration is committed to maintaining discipline and academic order during the election season”.

As part of the regulations, vehicles without official entry stickers will be denied access to university grounds from August 26. Car rallies have been banned, and student gatherings of more than five individuals will require prior permission.

A strict code of conduct is also being enforced across the university campus. Campaigning using posters, pamphlets, or vehicle stickers is strictly prohibited to maintain a clean and issue-based election environment.

As per the norms, students must meet certain academic standards for contesting the election. These include a minimum of 75 per cent attendance and a clean academic record, with no compartments or backlogs. Confidential results will be accepted as proof of academic performance.

Prof. Chauhan warned that any breach of the rules, either by candidates or their supporters, would lead to disciplinary action, including possible cancellation of candidature. “The university’s focus is to conduct these elections in a smooth, disciplined, and transparent manner, without disrupting academic activities,” he said.

HPSU–PUSU alliance

In a significant political development ahead of the elections for the 2025–26 academic session, the Himachal Pradesh Students Union (HPSU) and the Panjab University Students Union (PUSU) have formed an alliance. The two student bodies have jointly nominated Aryan Verma (Yuvi) from the Department of Laws as their common candidate.

The alliance, according to HPSU president Asim Charas and PUSU president Bhupinder Singh (Jassi), aims to strengthen student unity, promote issue-based campaigning, and uphold the democratic ethos of Panjab University.

“This partnership is about preserving the essence of student activism and putting an end to cross-voting,” said Bhupinder Singh.

Echoing the sentiment, Charas said, “Our goal is to ensure transparent and responsible student leadership where every student’s voice is heard.”

Initially, the announcement caused some confusion within PUSU ranks, with certain members dismissing it as misinformation. However, the union later issued an official clarification. The HPSU–PUSU collaboration is now seen as a major force in the upcoming elections.

(Abhishek Goyat is an intern with The Indian Express)