Hyderabad: The Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) is set to hold its annual Students' Union elections for the academic year 2024-25. The elections, scheduled for September 24, 2024, will see students from the university’s main campus and various off-campus centers participate in the selection of office bearers and executive committee members. As the event approaches, candidates are busy preparing for a competitive race that will determine the new leadership of MANUU Students' Union (MSU).
MANUU, a central university known for its focus on providing quality education in Urdu, has a vibrant student body that actively participates in campus activities. The upcoming elections provide students with a significant platform to voice their concerns and influence the direction of student governance. This year’s elections are expected to be dynamic, with students competing for key positions across multiple faculties and departments.
Election Schedule and Key Dates
The election notification, released by Prof. Mohammed Abdul Azeem, the Chief Returning Officer, outlines a detailed schedule leading up to the election. The process began with the issue of nomination forms on September 6, 2024. Candidates had until September 13, 2024, to file their nominations, followed by a withdrawal period ending on September 17, 2024.
Key Dates:
Nomination Filing: September 6-13, 2024
Final List of Candidates: September 17, 2024
Canvassing Period: September 17-22, 2024
Election Day: September 24, 2024 (from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM)
Vote Counting: September 24, 2024 (from 2:30 PM onwards)
Results Announcement: September 24, 2024
Investiture Ceremony: September 27, 2024 (Tentative)
Polling will take place at the Indoor Stadium of MANUU, Hyderabad, and at various off-campus centers including those in cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Srinagar, and Bhopal. The voting period will last from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by the counting of votes starting at 2:30 PM.
Positions Open for Election
The MANUU Students' Union (MSU) elections will include the selection of office bearers and members of the executive committee. Students from different schools, departments, and off-campus centers will participate, making it a university-wide event.
Key Office Bearer Positions:
President (1 position)
Vice-President (1 position)
Secretary (1 position)
Joint Secretary (1 position)
Treasurer (1 position)
These top five positions are crucial for the management and representation of the student body in various academic and administrative matters. The elected office bearers will act as a bridge between the students and the university administration, addressing student concerns, promoting academic initiatives, and organizing events.
Executive Committee Members (Main Campus):
School of Languages, Linguistics & Indology (1 position)
School of Commerce & Business Management (1 position)
School of Sciences (1 position)
School of Education & Training (1 position)
School of Mass Communication & Journalism (1 position)
School of Arts & Social Sciences (1 position)
School of Technology (1 position)
School of Law (1 position)
Polytechnic, Hyderabad (1 position)
The executive committee plays an equally important role in managing and organizing student affairs within each school. The members from each school will serve as representatives, ensuring that the concerns and interests of their peers are effectively communicated to the central union.
Executive Committee Members (Off-Campus Centers):
Satellite Campus Lucknow (1 position)
Arts & Science College for Women, Srinagar (1 position)
MANUU Varanasi Campus (1 position)
Srinagar (CTE) (1 position)
Bhopal (CTE) (1 position)
Asansol (CTE) (1 position)
Aurangabad (CTE) (1 position)
Sambhal (CTE) (1 position)
Bidar (CTE) (1 position)
Nuh (CTE) (1 position)
Darbhanga (CTE) (1 position)
Darbhanga (Polytechnic) (1 position)
Bangalore (Polytechnic) (1 position)
Kadappa (Polytechnic) (1 position)
Cuttack (Polytechnic) (1 position)
Each off-campus center will elect one representative to the executive committee, ensuring that students from all corners of the university have a voice in the student union.
Nomination and Election Rules
The election rules set by the Chief Returning Officer provide a clear framework for the nomination and election process. Candidates are required to pay a nomination fee of Rs. 500, along with a Rs. 500 refundable deposit, making the total Rs. 1,000. However, candidates who do not secure at least 15% of the total votes cast for their respective posts will forfeit their deposit.
In order to be eligible for contesting, students must meet certain criteria:
Candidates must be full-time regular students.
A minimum of 75% attendance is mandatory to contest in the election.
Candidates cannot have a criminal record or disciplinary actions against them.
Undergraduates aged between 17 and 22 years, postgraduate students up to 25 years, and research students up to 28 years are eligible to contest.
Diploma candidates from D.El.Ed. and Polytechnic courses are allowed to contest for respective school executive committee positions but not for office bearer positions.
Election Conduct and Canvassing Regulations
The election process is designed to be fair and transparent. Strict rules are in place to prevent misconduct during canvassing and polling. The rules prohibit the use of loudspeakers, posters, and banners for campaigning purposes. Candidates must rely on hand-made posters and personal interactions to reach voters.
The university has also emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum during the election period. Students found damaging university property or engaging in inappropriate behavior will face immediate disqualification.
On September 23, 2024, a "No Canvassing Day" will be observed, giving students a chance to reflect on the candidates and make informed decisions before casting their votes.
The Importance of MSU Elections
The MSU elections are a significant event at MANUU, giving students the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and influence the governance of student affairs. The elected leaders will be responsible for organizing student events, addressing academic concerns, and representing the student body in discussions with the university administration.
With a diverse set of candidates expected to run for office, the election is likely to reflect the broad range of opinions and interests present within the university community. It offers students the chance to engage with issues that matter to them, from improving academic resources to organizing cultural events and ensuring student welfare.
As MANUU prepares for the 2024-25 MSU elections, students are gearing up for an exciting and competitive race. The election process will culminate in the selection of new leaders who will guide the student body over the coming academic year. With a structured and transparent election process in place, the university is ensuring that all students have a voice in shaping their educational experience. All eyes are now on the polling booths, as the MANUU community looks forward to a fair and successful election day.