Pandemic delays PUTA polls, voting arrangements changed

Chandigarh: Ahead of Panjab University Teacher Association (PUTA) elections, there will be a change in the number of polling stations. Voting hours will be increased and results will be announced the next day. The tenure of the present

PUTA

panel ended on August 21 but announcement of the schedule has been delayed because of the pandemic. The present team will continue till the election of new members.

Vijay Nagpal, returning officer, PUTA elections said he would announce the schedule shortly after a meeting with association members. There are around 650 to 675 voters for PUTA elections. Instead of five tables, eight will be set up this time to cast votes. Polling stations have been set up in auditoriums and five booths have been set up on stage for offline polling. The pattern of polling booths will be the same but more polling stations will be set up to maintain social distancing.

Election officials have proposed to allow only 20 to 25 persons to cast vote in each polling station. Usually, polling time is 8am to 2pm and result is announced in the evening. But this time, election might take longer and result will be announced the next day. The final decision will be taken by the returning officer as and when elections are announced.