Set up 24 hour grievance cell for DUSU polls: NSUI

NEW DELHI: Congress-led National Student Union of India (NSUI) on Thursday demanded a round-the-clock grievance cell to address polling issues and more ‘Democracy Walls’ in the campus area for contestants to put up their campaign posters.

Representatives of NSUI sent a memorandum to the Chief Election Officer (CEO) to allow students to cast their ballot in the upcoming Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election by showing their fee-slip or a valid identity proof, in case they do not have the college identity card.

The students’ political outfit also called for VVPAT machines to be used in the election, to be held on September 12, and that at least five per cent of the polling machine be cross checked with the paper trail to build confidence among voters.

“We demand a 24-hour grievance cell where one can complain any time during or in the run-up to the elections. Even last time, when a machine malfunctioned in Kirori Mal College, it took two hours for them to replace it,” NSUI spokesperson Akshay Lakra said.

NSUI also asked for the presence of candidates during the counting of the votes to ensure that no discrepancy occurs in the results.

The party also asked for extension of voting timings to accommodate students who come from far-flung areas. “The morning shift should be from 8 am to 1 pm and the evening shift should be from 2 pm to 7 pm. This will ensure good voter turnout,” the NSUI letter reads.

Currently, the polling timings are 8.30 am to 12.30 am for morning college students, and 3 pm to 7 pm for evening college students.

Bound by Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, the parties are proscribed from pasting printed posters, use of spray or other paints for canvassing, and defacing university walls and other properties.