Patna University seeks ballot boxes, ink for Feb 28 PUSU polls

Patna: Patna University (PU) has requested the chief election officer of the state to provide adequate ballot boxes and indelible ink to be used in the Patna University Students’ Union (PUSU) polls scheduled on Feb 28.The request for the supply of election materials was made by PU vice-chancellor Namita Singh after discussing different aspects of union elections at a meeting of university officials held here on Friday.The VC directed the members of different committees, constituted for ensuring peaceful and a fair conduct of PUSU elections, to ensure that the contestants and their supporters strictly adhere to the code of conduct of elections during campaigns. The principals of all colleges were directed to ensure that not more than five students, including one contestant, are allowed to enter an institution for campaigning at a time. If any contestant violates the code of conduct, his or her candidature will be rejected, the VC said.The final list of candidates contesting union elections for the five key offices of the central panel and council (or cabinet) members will be published on Feb 21. The district administration will be requested to deploy sufficient police force right from Feb 21 to the day of polling and counting on Feb 28 to ensure law and order on the campus.PU chief election officer Shankar Kumar said to facilitate smooth election, the number of polling booths has been increased to 41. The counting of votes will take place at the College of Arts and Crafts under tight security.Meanwhile, representatives of different student organisations are busy finalising candidates for different offices of the union. The filing of nomination papers is scheduled from Feb 16 to 18. Like previous elections, a presidential debate will also be held well before the polling of votes.