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

New Delhi [India], 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.