Odisha to Conduct Student Union Elections on Oct. 15 After Eight‑Year Hiatus

BHUBANESWAR — The Odisha government announced on Monday that student union elections will be held on Oct. 15, ending an eight‑year suspension of campus polls. The decision, conveyed by the state education minister, follows a petition by several college bodies seeking democratic representation for students.

Background and legal framework

The last student union elections in Odisha were conducted in 2018, after which the state suspended polls citing concerns over campus violence and political interference. The suspension was formalised through a circular issued by the Department of Higher Education in 2018, which barred political parties from contesting student elections and placed the conduct of polls under the department’s direct supervision.

Under the Odisha University Act, 1995, and the State Higher Education Rules, 2020, each recognized college must hold student union elections at least once every three years. The eight‑year gap prompted several institutions to file petitions with the Odisha High Court, arguing that the prolonged suspension violated statutory requirements and deprived students of a legitimate forum for grievance redressal.

Government response

In a press briefing held at the state secretariat, the education minister confirmed that the department had cleared the way for elections to be conducted on Oct. 15 across 112 government‑aided colleges and 48 private institutions that receive state aid. The minister said the department had issued a fresh set of guidelines outlining the nomination process, campaign conduct, and security arrangements.

Key points of the new guidelines include:

• Nomination forms to be filed between Sep. 20 and Sep. 27.
• Each college to form an election committee comprising the principal, a senior faculty member, and a representative of the student council.
• Prohibition of external political party symbols on campaign material.
• Deployment of campus police teams to monitor polling stations on Oct. 15.

The minister emphasized that the department would monitor compliance through periodic audits and that any violation of the guidelines would attract disciplinary action under the State Service Rules.

Reactions from student bodies

The All India Students’ Federation (AISF) welcomed the announcement, stating that the return of elections would restore a democratic platform for student issues. The federation’s state secretary said the organization would field candidates in several colleges and urged the administration to ensure a level playing field.

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) also expressed optimism, noting that the eight‑year hiatus had led to a vacuum in student representation. NSUI officials indicated they would submit their candidate lists by the Sep. 27 deadline.

Conversely, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) cautioned that the short timeline might limit thorough campaigning. The student wing’s state president called for additional training sessions for candidates on electoral conduct.

Institutional preparedness

College principals across the state reported that they have begun forming election committees and arranging polling booths. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has offered technical assistance, including the provision of electronic voting machines for institutions that request them.

Security officials said that a total of 250 police personnel would be stationed at polling sites, with additional units on standby to address any disturbances. The police commissioner of Bhubaneswar confirmed that the force would coordinate with campus security teams to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

Potential impact

Analysts note that the elections could influence campus politics ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections scheduled for early 2027. The student union platform has historically served as a training ground for future political leaders in Odisha.

Education policy experts also highlighted that the elections could provide a mechanism for addressing academic concerns such as fee structures, infrastructure deficits, and curriculum reforms. The state’s higher education department plans to compile a report on election outcomes and student demands for submission to the cabinet in December.

Next steps

Nomination forms are available for download on the department’s official website. Candidates must submit a security deposit of ₹5,000 along with their applications. The election schedule, including result declaration, will be posted on the department’s portal by Sep. 30.

Stakeholders are urged to adhere to the guidelines to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.