With the model code of conduct imposed by the Election Commission of India ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, a delay in recruitment and promotions at the Panjab University (PU) is likely.
PU registrar YP Verma said under the code of conduct, it should not appear that anyone has benefited or favored in any way. Due to this, results of ongoing recruitment for administrative and other posts would be put on hold. The varsity would also not issue any fresh advertisements until the conclusion of the poll process. The voting for Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for June 1 in Punjab and the counting will be on June 4.
The varsity had advertised administrative positions for the post of registrar, controller of examinations and dean of college development council in November 2023, the process for which has not been completed so far. As per officials, the screening process will continue but the results won’t be declared for now.
Even for promotions under the career advancement scheme, there are around 30 cases where a letter has been released already by the varsity. For the remaining employees, it is likely that the promotion will be cleared after the elections. A total of 173 such promotions were cleared by the university recently.
According to the officials, the delay is not expected to affect the university too much. The university will also not issue any fresh tenders for the time being. The option to seek special permission from the election commission for these activities remains available.
Extra hurdles for organizing student fests
With the poll code in force, organizing student events has become more cumbersome as well. Jhankar, being organized by Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) president Jatinder Singh, faced delays as the organizers were busy trying to fast track permissions from the deputy commissioner (DC) a day before the event.
Singh said that they had received initial permission from the DC office. As per officials, an issue had come up for the star night event as a list of the attendees was needed.
Dean students welfare Amit Chauhan said that as per model code of conduct, permission is needed from the UT administration to hold such events on campus. “We will ensure that any political leaders don’t abuse the stage. Otherwise, it is a student fest and we are in full support of it,” he said.
Until Tuesday evening, the permission was yet to be cleared but officials said it wouldn’t be an issue and a message had been sent from the registrar’s side to the DC, seeking help to fast track the process.