In preparation for the upcoming Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, Delhi University is significantly increasing security across its campuses. Approximately 600 surveillance cameras are being installed throughout the north and south campuses, as well as in surrounding areas. This initiative aims to monitor campaign activities, address traffic violations, and prevent potential incidents of violence or misconduct during the election period.
Security personnel and camera-monitoring teams will keep watch over campaign activity to ensure that these restrictions are followed.
The university is also tightening enforcement of the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, with officials warning that violations could lead to cancellation of a candidate’s nomination and, in serious cases, cancellation of the elections themselves. The annual elections are directly contested by students across Delhi University and its affiliated colleges and are among the country’s most high-profile campus elections. “We will strictly follow the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations. The university has instructed colleges to create two such walls, with principals being given guidelines to ensure that they are properly designated. Only handmade posters will be permitted on these walls. Printed posters, pamphlets and other printed campaign material will not be allowed. The university is also monitoring a practice that has emerged over the last two to three years, in which student groups allegedly arrange buses to take students outside colleges for parties at water parks or amusement parks during the election period.
The DUSU elections are scheduled for September 18, with counting of votes on September 19.
Speaking about the security arrangements, Delhi University’s Proctor Manoj Singh told NDTV that the university’s priority this year is to ensure that the election campaign remains within the rules and does not spill over into violence, defacement or the use of money and muscle power. If the guidelines are not followed, action will be taken against the candidate, including cancellation of nomination and, in an extreme situation, the election itself can be cancelled,” Singh said.
