Sharan Prakash Patil at press conference on Tuesday
Student elections were banned in the state by Veerendra Patil-led Cong govt in 1989.
Universities are exempted at the first level and elections will be held only at the next level, said Sharan Prakash Patil, medical and skill development minister. Bengaluru: Elections will be held in all pre-university (PU) colleges and affiliated degree colleges of the state, mostly from this year. Those contesting elections will not be allowed to identify or associate themselves with any student organisation or political party. Patil was part of the committee appointed by DK Shivakumar, then deputy chief minister, to look into the issue of reintroducing campus politics.
Patil told mediapersons Tuesday that a govt order is expected in 10 days. Outsiders won’t be allowed to enter the campus.
In case a student takes sides with a party or uses their support, he/she will be disqualified,” Patil said, adding the state govt will ensure there is no space for hooliganism on campus. “Even though polls will be held at the beginning of the academic year, we hope it is not too late and can still be held this year,” he said. Some posts will be reserved for women, but “we are yet to decide the percentage of reservation”, the minister said.
“There will be no interference of parties in campus elections. Elections will be held annually.