New Delhi, 19 August (H.S.): The Delhi University administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure that the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections are conducted peacefully and in accordance with the prescribed rules.

Delhi University Proctor Prof. Manoj Kumar Singh said at a press conference on Wednesday that more than 500 CCTV cameras had been deployed across the university’s North and South campuses, while the main roads were also being closely monitored. Delhi Police ACP Rajendra Prasad and members of the Delhi University Proctor’s Office were also present during the interaction.

Prof. Manoj Kumar said the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee would be strictly enforced during the DUSU elections. He said vehicles on all university roads were being closely monitored with the assistance of the Delhi Police.

The DU Proctor said no incident of defacement had been reported so far. He said the university administration and police had jointly undertaken an awareness and enforcement drive, which was yielding positive results. Students have been informed that violations of election rules could result in the cancellation of their nomination or even the election itself.

Prof. Manoj Kumar said printed leaflets and posters were completely prohibited for election campaigning. Handwritten posters could be displayed only on the designated ‘Wall of Democracy’ within the university campus. He also urged the principals of all 54 colleges to create two ‘Walls of Democracy’, each measuring 10x10 feet, on their respective campuses—one for DUSU-related campaigning and the other for the college committee.

He said no more than five students would be permitted to participate in election campaigning at a time. In women’s colleges, only female students would be allowed to campaign. If alcohol or narcotic substances were found in a candidate’s vehicle, the candidate’s nomination would be cancelled immediately.

The administration, he said, remained fully committed to ensuring the safety of female students both during and after the elections. Surveillance would also be intensified in areas near the North and South campuses, including paying close attention to the paying guest (PG) accommodation areas, to prevent any disruptive activity. NCC and NSS cadets would also be involved in the campaign to maintain vigilance.

The Proctor said the university did not intend to punish anyone, but its objective was to ensure that the DUSU elections were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations.

Delhi Police ACP Rajendra Prasad, who was present at the press conference, urged all prospective candidates to minimise the use of vehicles during campaigning. He said the police were keeping a close watch on all activities and that cases would be registered against anyone found violating the law.

From tinted vehicle windows to improper parking, the police were monitoring potential violations closely. Legal action was being taken against those found breaching rules and regulations to ensure that the DUSU elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar