Security up for Delhi University Students’ Union polls, 500 cameras to keep watch

NEW DELHI: The University of Delhi administration on Wednesday further intensified security and surveillance measures ahead of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections scheduled for September 17.

Key points

• Security arrangements are being extended to areas around paying guest accommodations near the North and South campuses, particularly to prevent the presence of disruptive elements.
• Sustained enforcement over the past month had supported curb the gathering of vehicles during campaigning, he stated.
• The administration cautioned candidates and students that violations of election rules could lead to cancellation of nominations and, in serious cases, cancellation of the election itself.
• Printed pamphlets and posters have been completely prohibited for campaigning.
• Campaign teams have additionally been restricted to a maximum of five students.

DU Proctor Prof Manoj Kumar Singh remarked at a press briefing that the administration, in coordination with the Delhi Police, was closely monitoring vehicles and movement around the university. Sustained enforcement over the past month had supported curb the gathering of vehicles during campaigning, he stated. No fresh cases of defacement had been documented so far.

Notably, the administration cautioned candidates and students that violations of election rules could lead to cancellation of nominations and, in serious cases, cancellation of the election itself. The Lyngdoh Committee guidelines would be strictly enforced throughout the electoral process.

Printed pamphlets and posters have been completely prohibited for campaigning. Handwritten posters may be displayed only on designated 'Wall of Democracy' spaces. The proctor has asked principals of all 54 colleges to create two such walls, each measuring 10×10 feet-one for DUSU-related campaigning and another for college-level elections.

Campaign teams have additionally been restricted to a maximum of five students. In women's colleges, only female students will be permitted to campaign. Candidates will face strict action if alcohol or narcotic substances are discovered in their vehicles, with such violations potentially leading to immediate cancellation of nominations.

Security arrangements are being extended to areas around paying guest accommodations near the North and South campuses, particularly to prevent the presence of disruptive elements. NCC and NSS cadets will assist in awareness and monitoring, with the administration stressing that its objective is prevention rather than punishment. The police are additionally monitoring social media activity through the cybercrime cell.

For now, security up for Delhi University Students' Union polls, 500 cameras to keep remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.