ODISHA STUDENT UNION ELECTION 2026-27

Election Schedule 2026-27

Eligibility Criteria for Candidates

• Age Limit: Undergraduate (+3 Degree) students between 17 and 22 years; Postgraduate students up to a maximum of 25 years as on the date of notification.
• No Academic Arrears: Candidate shall not have any academic arrears in the year in which he/she contests.
• Minimum Attendance: At least 75% classroom attendance is required.
• Contest Limits: One opportunity to contest for the post of an office-bearer and two opportunities for the post of an executive member.
• Clean Record: No previous criminal record, no disciplinary action by University/College, and no pending disciplinary proceeding.
• Regular Student: Must be a regular, full-time student admitted through SAMS in Regular or Self-Financing Programme. Students in Distance Education or PPP mode are not eligible.
• Political Disassociation: Complete disassociation of student elections and student representation from political parties.
• Non-Student Exclusion: No person who is not a student on the regular rolls of the college shall participate in the election process in any capacity.

Election Expenditure & Financial Accountability

• Maximum Expenditure: ₹5,000 per candidate.
• Account Submission: Each candidate must submit complete accounts of election expenditure, certified by themselves, to the University/College authorities within two weeks of declaration of results.
• Publication: The college shall publish such accounts within two days of submission through the HIMS Portal.
• Nullification: Election of a candidate shall be liable to be nullified in the event of non-compliance or excessive expenditure.
• Funding Sources: Candidates are barred from utilizing funds from any source other than voluntary contributions from the student body. No funds from political parties.

Code of Conduct for Candidates & Election Administrators

• No Divisive Activities: No activity that may aggravate differences, create mutual hatred, or cause tension between castes, communities, religious or linguistic groups.
• Criticism Limits: Criticism of other candidates shall be confined to their policies, programmes, past record and work.
• Social Media Decorum: No abusive, offensive, or derogatory language; no personal attacks; no false, misleading, manipulated, or AI-generated fake content.
• No Caste Appeals: No appeal to caste or communal feelings. Places of worship shall not be used for election propaganda.
• No Corrupt Practices: No bribing or intimidating voters, impersonation, canvassing within 100 meters of polling stations, or transporting voters.
• Only Hand-made Posters: No printed posters, pamphlets or printed material. Only hand-made posters within the expenditure limit.
• Display Locations: Hand-made posters may be displayed only at places notified in advance by the college authority.
• No Outside Campaigning: No processions, public meetings, or propaganda outside the college campus.
• No Defacement: No defacing or damaging college property. Candidates shall be jointly and severally liable.
• Permission Required: Processions and public meetings require prior written permission and must not disturb classes.
• Prohibited: Use of loudspeakers, vehicles, and animals for canvassing is prohibited.
• Polling Day Cooperation: Cooperate with election-duty officers; no distribution of eatables except water.
• Booth Entry: Only voters and those with valid pass/authority letter may enter polling booths.
• Impartial Observers: Observers appointed from within the institution shall not be assigned other election duties.
• Cleanup: Polling area must be cleaned within 48 hours; non-compliance attracts ₹1,500 penalty per candidate.
• Legal Provisions: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Section 196 and Chapter IX, Sections 169-177) shall also apply.

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

• Composition: Grievances Redressal Cell chaired by Dean (Student Welfare) / Teacher in charge of student affairs. Includes one senior faculty, one senior administrative officer, and two final year students (one boy, one girl).
• Jurisdiction: Redressal of election-related grievances, including breaches of code of conduct and complaints relating to election expenditure.
• Powers: May prosecute violators, issue written notices/summons, inspect financial reports, and make records available for public scrutiny.
• Complaint Filing: Any student may file a complaint within 3 weeks from declaration of results. Student members of the Grievance Cell are prohibited from filing complaints.
• Action Timeline: Grievance Cell shall act on all complaints within 24 hours — either dismissing them or calling a hearing.
• Hearing Timeline: Hearing shall be held within 24 hours after receipt of notice, unless all parties agree to waive the constraint.
• Restraining Order: The Cell may issue a temporary restraining order by majority vote if necessary to prevent undue effects.
• Open Proceedings: All Grievance Cell hearings, proceedings, and meetings must be open to the public.
• Burden of Proof: The complaining party shall bear the burden of proof.
• Written Opinion: Cell shall issue a written opinion within 12 hours of announcement of decision. Precedent valid for 3 election cycles.
• Appeal: Any party may appeal to the Institutional Head within 24 hours of the adverse decision. The Institutional Head has discretionary appellate jurisdiction.
• Sanctions: Fines, suspension of campaigning privileges, disqualification from election — not exceeding the spending limit of ₹5,000 per election cycle.
• Nomination Option: Where election atmosphere is adverse, institutions may follow the nomination option based on Staff Committee/PG Council assessment, on a case-to-case basis.
• Lawlessness Reporting: Any instance of acute lawlessness or criminal offence shall be reported to police within 6 hours.