Polling day is not a holiday

Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental has directed the principals of affiliated colleges to conduct awareness campaigns for students encouraging them to exercise their franchise in the DUSU elections.

In the academic year 2005-06, the voting percentage in the DUSU polls was about 45 per cent, which went down to around 40 per cent in 2006-07. The figure remained stagnant for the next two years. It was around 35 per cent for 2007-08 and 2008-09.u00a0

"This is one important event which most students neglect. They treat the day as a holiday. However, they should understand the importance of electing the right people. This will help them in resolving their issues in future. I have been writing to college principals in this regard," Pental told MiD DAY.

"I have also requested teachers to take special interest in the elections. I want them to encourage students to vote. The voting percentage needs to go up this year."

On the other hand, student's bodies blame the Lyngdoh Committee for such a drastic fall in the voting percentage. "After the Lyngdoh panel's recommendation came into effect, our reach was also restricted. With expenses being limited to Rs 5,000 per candidate, it has become difficult for us to carry out our campaign," said Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Delhi state secretary Asutosh Srivastava.

National Students Union of India (NSUI) also leveled similar allegations. NSUI National General Secretary, Anand Pandey, said, "Covering colleges in the North Campus is not a difficult task. There are some colleges in South Campus, which are also not difficult to reach while campaigning. But colleges like Swami Shraddhanand and Ambedkar College, which are located far away, are not easy to reach out to."

Students from 51 colleges affiliated to the university will cast their votes on September 4 to elect a new union for the 2009-10 session. The University has also hosted a website where parties can upload the propaganda.

A Third Year student from Ramjas College, Rakesh Srivastava, said, "I haven't voted in the last two years and
preferred to stay home. However, this year I have made up my mind to exercise my franchise. I understand the importance of electing a good leader. He/She should be able to help us resolve our issues."

Poll khol
Year voting percentage
2005-06
45 per centu00a0
2006-07
40 per cent
2007-08 and 2008-09
35 per cent

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