Bhubaneswar: The long-awaited students’ union elections in colleges and universities in Odisha are likely to be held this year.
According to Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, that the college elections in colleges and universities may be conducted after the Dussehra holidays.
“The government is seriously considering the resumption of student union elections this year,” the Minister told reporters.
Stating that the government is now planning to wrap up the admission process for Plus III courses at the earliest, Suraj said after timely completion of the admission process, students’ union elections can be held without affecting the academic schedule.
The government had earlier showed its keenness in the revival of students’ union elections after years of uncertainties and campus unrest in the state.
The High Education department is reportedly working on strategies to complete the admission process efficiently and conclude the curriculum before the Dussehra break. This would allow colleges to go ahead with the election process immediately after the holidays.
The Minister further made it clear that Plus III classes will begin from July 15 in the state, following the completion of the admission process.
Stressing that the authorities have made necessary arrangements to avoid any undue delay, he said students would not miss their first semester due to prolonged admission timelines.
The third phase of Plus III admissions will continue until the declaration of the second phase results of Plus II exams, Suraj said there is no fixed deadline for the third phase admissions. It will be extended until the Plus II results are declared.
Applicants will get 10 days from the result date to upload their mark sheets on the SAMS portal, and an additional 10-day grace period will be provided, the minister informed.
To ensure a smoother process this year, the department has initiated early preparations for college seat allocation in June, aiming to complete all procedures before the start of classes in mid-July.
It may be noted that the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) has already stated that it will announce the results of Plus II exams of all streams at 4 pm on Wednesday.
