Ravenshaw to introduce NOTA option

CUTTACK: Encouraged by the overwhelming response of voters to the None Of The Above (NOTA) option in the recently held general elections, Ravenshaw University plans to introduce the option in the forthcoming students' union polls.
Vice-chancellor of the university B C Tripathy strongly feels that students should be given an opportunity to reject the candidates.However, a final decision on the issue will be taken by the executive council of the varsity.
"The aim behind organizing the students' union polls is to educate youths about the spirit of democracy and make them aware about their voting rights. As the NOTA option was included in the general elections, we should also introduce it in the university polls," said Tripathy.
The students' union polls will be held on September 29.
"The meeting of the executive council will be held in the next few days. A final decision regarding introduction of the NOTA option will be taken at the meeting," added the vice-chancellor.
Students too have favoured the introduction of NOTA in the varsity polls. "Every year, many undeserving candidates contest the polls but as I don't want to waste my vote, I unwillingly choose one of them. But if I am given the option of NOTA, I will go for it," said Snigdha Das, a Plus III second-year student.
"Students should have the option of NOTA. It will give us the opportunity to reject candidates who are not worthy of our votes," said Avinash Ds, another student.
The varsity authorities have started preparations to ensure a violence-free poll on the campus this time. A closed circuit TV camera has been installed at the entrance gate of the varsity to keep tabs on the entry of outsiders into the campus.
Authorities also have plans to install a few more cameras in the boys' hostels and other strategic locations on the campus.
"Soon, we will introduce a vehicle pass system to restrict the entry of outsiders into the campus. The security guards will only allow students with identity cards and vehicle pass on campus", said Tripathy.
The vice-chancellor said all the candidates would have to abide by the Lyngdoh committee recommendations.