Security beefed up at PU, all set for nominations today

A day before nominations for the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) elections, the authorities beefed up security on the campus today. While PU security personnel and cops strictly asked day scholars to get parking and entry stickers, the latter alleged harassment in the name of checking.

Today, all four-wheelers not bearing mandatory entry stickers were stopped for a check at the university gates. The last date to apply online for the same was August 25. The university authorities, however, have now extended the last date.

“There were many students who are yet to apply for the entry stickers. We made such students aware about the process to apply for the stickers,” said Vikram Singh, Chief of Security, Panjab University. “The university has already issued orders that no vehicle, without mandatory registration on the university portal, will be allowed to enter the campus on September 3, the day of voting,” he added.

He confirmed to have recovered some prohibited items from four-wheelers reaching the campus

While the security personnel maintained a tight vigil at the gates, the students alleged they were subjected to unnecessary harassment despite producing their identification cards during checking. “We have applied at the portal, but are yet to receive the stickers. Despite showing the identification cards, we were stopped by the authorities. There was no clarity about how many vehicles a student can register,” said Anubhav Bansal, a student.

While the authorities claimed they had issued a special helpline number, the students claimed they were not given proper information about the restrictions on movement on the campus. “The vehicles should have been allowed till the campus parking. In such a short notice, the authorities are asking us to register, and not even issuing stickers to all in time. The university should come up with a good public transport service on both campuses,” said Dhiriti, another student.

The authorities have made special arrangements, especially during the period from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm when objections will be filed. The filing of nominations will be held from 9.30 am to 10.30 am. The provisional list will be released at 2.30 pm.

Major depts in focus

The political groups are focussing on the departments having a large number of students. A maximum of nominations are expected from the University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Department of Law, UILS and Chemical Engineering Department. As these departments house a maximum of voters, fielding candidates from there can get parties and student groups a huge support.