Maharashtra polls set to delay student council elections

Mumbai: The state government has decided to postpone the student council elections in 11 state universities, since their dates clash with the Assembly election, higher and technical education minister Vinod Tawde said on Wednesday.

The minister has also informed that the government will amend the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016 to add a clause on the postponement of student council elections. The new clause would empower the government to defer student council elections in case of any emergency.

Addressing a press conference at Mantralaya Mr Tawde said that as the districts collectors and local police officials had raised doubts over holding student council polls while the model code of conduct would be in effect. A report submitted to the state government noted that the administration would be busy in preparing the ground for the smooth conduct of the Assembly election. Maharashtra is expected to go to polls in September-October 2019.

Mr Tawde also said that the government had also sought the opinions of the chief electoral officer, Maharashtra and additional chief secretary of home department before deciding to postpone student council elections.

“After taking their views, we realised that the Act has no provision to defer student council elections, in the event of a natural calamity or any law and order problem,” Mr. Tawde said. He further added, “With the new amendment, whenever emergencies like earthquakes or Assembly elections arise, the state cabinet would have the power to defer student council polls. Mr Tawde said that an ordinance would be sent to the Governor’s approval.  

Last week, Mumbai University had declared the schedule for the student council election, which are set to take place in Maharashtra  for the first time in 25 years.