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Resumption of Student Union Elections in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The government of Odisha is gearing up to conduct elections for student unions in colleges and universities this year, marking the first time in seven years.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj informed the media that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had previously assured that these elections would take place this year.

To ensure that the academic calendar for undergraduate and postgraduate programs begins by July 15, efforts are underway to complete the first semester before the Dussehra holidays, thereby minimizing disruptions to students' studies during the election period.

Regarding the extension of the admission deadline for undergraduate courses in institutions under his jurisdiction, Suraj emphasized that students will have sufficient time to enroll following the announcement of class 12 exam results by the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), Odisha.

Students in class 12 will be allotted at least ten days to submit their mark sheets after their results are released.

Notably, the government has recently pushed back the admission deadline for degree courses from May 20 to June 1.

This year, the admission process for undergraduate courses commenced earlier than in previous years, starting on April 16, to facilitate a timely conclusion and ensure that the syllabus and student elections are completed without delay. Last year, the admission process extended into December.

The previous BJD administration had halted college elections since 2018 due to various factors, including campus violence and the COVID-19 pandemic. The BJP has pledged to reinstate student elections in its 2024 election manifesto.