Odisha to hold student union elections in 341 higher education institutions

Bhubaneswar: Student politics will return to campuses across Odisha this year, with 341 higher education institutions set to conduct student union elections as the state government moves ahead with the electoral process.

According to the latest information available with the Higher Education Department as of 8 PM on October 7, elections will be held in 328 colleges and 13 universities across the state.

Another 205 higher education institutions will choose their student representatives through a selection process. These include 202 colleges and three universities.

The three universities opting for the selection process are Odia University, Sri Jagannath Sanskrit University and Gangadhar Meher University. The remaining 13 universities will conduct elections.

As per the schedule issued by the respective institutions, students seeking to contest the elections can file their nominations on October 9 between 10 AM and 1 PM.

Scrutiny of nomination papers will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM on the same day, following which the list of valid nominations will be published at 5 PM.

Candidates wishing to withdraw their nominations will be allowed to do so between 10 AM and 1 PM on October 10. The final list of candidates will be published at 3 PM that day.

The campaign process will include the “Why I Stand For” meetings on October 14, giving candidates an opportunity to present their views and priorities before students.

Polling for the student union elections will be held on October 15 from 8 AM to 2 PM.

Vote counting will begin after polling concludes on the same day, followed by the declaration of results by the respective higher education institutions.

Students elected to various union posts will formally assume office after taking their oath on October 16.

The state government’s decision to revive student union elections marks a significant development for higher education institutions in Odisha, with hundreds of campuses preparing for the electoral process.

Authorities have been directed to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, with institutions expected to follow the prescribed schedule and procedures.