Bhubaneswar, 09 October (H.S.): Nomination filing for student union elections began across higher secondary schools, degree colleges and universities in Odisha on Friday, with candidates arriving at educational institutions accompanied by supporters in processions marked by dancing and celebrations.

The nomination process witnessed enthusiastic participation as candidates submitted their papers ahead of the scheduled scrutiny. The list of valid nominations is to be published at 5 pm on Friday following scrutiny.

Candidates can withdraw their nominations on October 10 between 10 am and 1 pm. The final list of candidates will be published at 3 pm the same day.

As per the election schedule, candidates will participate in the “Why I Stand For” meeting on October 14, a day before polling. Voting will be held on October 15 from 8 am to 2 pm.

Vote counting and declaration of results will begin at 2 pm on October 15 and continue until the process is completed. The oath-taking ceremony for newly elected student representatives is scheduled for October 16 at 11 am.

Student union elections are returning to Odisha after a prolonged gap. The previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government discontinued the polls in 2018, citing reasons including Cyclone Titli and campus-related issues. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed their resumption.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda