Key Points

Delhi University has rolled out strict anti-defacement guidelines ahead of DUSU polls, requiring candidates to submit a Rs 1 lakh bond. Campaigning is restricted to digital platforms, with penalties including fines and expulsion for violations. The university will also form committees to monitor defacement and enforce biometric entry. These measures aim to curb property damage and maintain order during the election season.

Key Points: Delhi University Sets Rs 1 Lakh Bond for DUSU Poll Candidates to Prevent Defacement

  • Rs 1 lakh bond mandatory for DUSU candidates
  • Digital campaigning allowed, loudspeakers banned
  • College committees to monitor defacement
  • Biometric entry to curb unauthorized outsiders
3 min read

Delhi University issues anti-defacement guidelines ahead of student polls; candidates to give Rs 1 Lakh bond

DU introduces strict anti-defacement measures for DUSU polls, including Rs 1 lakh bonds, digital campaigning, and penalties for violations.

"Failure to comply may result in fines up to Rs 25,000 or expulsion from college - DU Notification"

New Delhi, August 8

In an effort to combat defacement of college property during election campaigning, Delhi University on Friday issued a set of 'anti defacement' guidelines ahead of the DUSU elections, calling for each college and department of the university to organise orientation and sensitisation programs for the students for "maintaining the sanctity of the college walls and public property."

The new guidelines also require new students to sign an anti-defacement affidavit, similar to anti-ragging affidavit during the time of admission.

Additionally, a 'College Committee for Prevention of Defacement of Property' and a similar one called the 'University Committee for Prevention of Defacement of Property' will be constituted at their respective levels.

Each college and department/centres have been told to increase the size of 'walls of democracy' at the possible extent at two notified places, which will be utilised for the candidates. "This will avoid the misuse/defacement of walls," the guidelines stated. However, the students have been allowed the 'legitimate use' of electronic media for campaigning.

Additionally, the University has called for promoting and organizing debates for contesting candidates, which would then subsequently be uploaded on the website of the respective university.

Additionally, each contesting candidate shall be required to execute a bond of Rs 1 lakh for violation of these guidelines, either by themselves or their supporters during the filing of nomination.

"In the case of impersonation of candidate/student for offence of defacement (including the practice of resorting to spelling errors in the name of candidates), it will be the duty of the concerned candidate/student to remove it immediately and to report the matter with the nearest police station immediate within 24 hrs," the notification read, adding that the copy of the complaint shall be submitted to the College too.

"Failure to do so, the candidate/student shall be liable to pay fine of Rs 25,000 or as decided by the University/College or suspension college including rustication for a specified period or expulsion from the college," the notification added.

DU has also disallowed the use of 'dhols' and loudspeakers in and around the college premises. This rule is set to be in place even after the election results are declared. Additionally, DU has also restricted entry of "outsiders" in College premises, expect entry authorized by administration.

"In order to avoid any unauthorized entry, the biometric/facial recognition machine may be installed for the attendance and the entry of students to the premises of the college.

The DUSU office bearers are only permitted to book three venues, according to the notification, namely Conference Centre, Shankar Lal Hall, Room no 22 of Arts Faculty for their official program. Additionally, office bearers are not permitted to book rooms in University Guest Houses or hostels. Violation of the rule may result in rustication for a specified period or barring entry of the office bearers from the premises.

The DUSU election dates are yet to be announced, however, Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh has appointed Professor Raj Kishor Sharma (Dept of Chemistry) as the Chief Election Officer, and Professor Rajesh Singh (University Librarian) as Chief Returning Officer on July 31.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The biometric entry system seems excessive no? College should feel welcoming, not like a high-security zone. What about students who forget their ID cards? 🤔
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Aman W
As a DU alumnus, I remember how dhols and loud celebrations used to make elections so lively. Banning all that takes away from campus culture. There must be middle ground between discipline and celebration!
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Shreya B
Good initiative but implementation is key. Last year's rules about posters were ignored completely. Will the administration actually fine big student leaders? That's the real question.
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Vikram M
₹1 lakh bond is too harsh for students! Most candidates come from middle-class families. Why not make them do community service cleaning walls instead? Punishment should be constructive, not just financial.
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Nisha Z
The 'walls of democracy' concept is brilliant! Dedicated spaces for campaigning will keep other areas clean while still allowing free expression. Hope other universities adopt this model too 👍

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