Odisha to Hold Student Union Elections After Eight Years

After a gap of nearly eight years, student union elections are set to return to colleges across Odisha, with the state government announcing the schedule ahead of the upcoming Puja vacation.

The announcement came after Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and discussed the conduct of student union elections in colleges across the state.

According to the schedule announced by the Higher Education Minister, colleges will issue notifications for the elections on October 7. Candidates will file their nominations on October 9, while polling will be held on October 15. The newly elected student union office-bearers will take oath on the morning of October 16.

The elections are being held before the Puja vacation, with the government aiming to complete the entire process within a short period.

“Today’s student leadership will become tomorrow’s leadership. We believe they will understand constitutional values and emerge as responsible leaders of tomorrow,” Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said.

Student Union Elections Were Suspended Since 2018

Student union elections in Odisha’s colleges have remained suspended since 2018, during the previous BJD government. The BJP government had promised to restore student union elections after coming to power and has now announced the schedule for conducting them.

The decision is expected to bring back an important platform for student participation and leadership in colleges across the state.

Why Will the Elections Be Completed Within 10 Days?

The Higher Education Department has decided to complete the entire election process within just 10 days. Explaining the decision, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said that announcing elections well in advance often leads to law-and-order concerns on college campuses.

“We have decided to complete the college elections within 10 days. This will help ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly,” the minister said, while seeking cooperation from all stakeholders.

He further warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the law during the election process.

The government has also emphasised that the elections should not disrupt the academic activities of students. The Higher Education Department said the schedule has been planned keeping law and order, students’ academic interests and the smooth conduct of the elections in mind.

With the return of student union elections after an eight-year gap, colleges across Odisha are now set to witness a fresh phase of student leadership and campus-level democratic participation.