PU steps up security for elections

With a day or two left for the formal announcement of the date of election to the Panjab University Student Council, the university authorities have stepped up security on the campus.

Security cameras have been installed, faculty members have been deputed to keep a watch on the activities of the students and their leaders and top officials have been making surprise visits to check the security apparatus. The new initiative from the varsity this time around is that let the varsity deal with students and police be asked to assist when things go wrong.

"All the major points, student centre and key intersections have been covered with cameras. Our security officers have been given video cameras for live recording of the events," said Navdeep Goyal, student welfare dean, Panjab University. He also said that a total of 35 faculty members including the nine hostel warders have been put on job to keep a watch on students' activities.

"This time police will form tier-2 of the security cordon. The varsity guards will be in front. The idea is to let the students feel the responsibility. They wanted lesser police interference," added Goyal.

There are as many as 300 guards with the university administration who are manning gates and other sensitive locations round the clock. "We have nearly 69 cameras installed on the campus. Eight more have been bought recently and 38 have been hired from the local vendors. The cameras installed at the gates have night vision facility," said Anil Monga, chief security officer, PU.

The administration has also given a video camera to the security unit to get all the important events recorded so that there is no dispute later on.

"Most of the departments have been provided with entry stickers and now onwards, entry to the campus will be regulated. The vehicles would be thoroughly checked," added Monga.

Security staff---300
Total cameras---116 (hired 38)
With night vision--- 8 approx
Faculty staff on duty---- 35

Election date has been fixed for September 4. The university officials had a bitter taste of 'laziness' of government functioning but finally got the election date cleared from the home department. A number of officials were camping at the home secretary office throughout the day and finally got the nod at around 8.30 pm following which a formal announcement was made. Sources, said after the letter was forwarded to the home department earlier this month, it could not be followed up which resulted in delay.