Bhubaneswar: The All Odisha Technical and Professional Education Students’ Association (AOTAPESA) has sought the postponement of several examinations and physical modes of teaching during the elections to different Panchayati Raj bodies in Odisha.
The AOTAPESA said via a letter to the State Election Commission (SEC) that they had got complaints from students about several universities conducting various semester exams during polling day of the phase-wise Panchayat polls. The Panchayat polls are scheduled from February 16 to February 24.
The students’ concern is that they will be deprived of exercising their franchise in the Panchayat elections if the exams and classes continue as per schedule.
“Students, who generally come under 18 to 30 years age category constitute nearly 42 per cent of voters in the State. They are going to be deprived of exercising their voting rights which is guaranteed by the Constitution of India,” AOTAPESA was quoted as saying in its memorandum.
According to the Students’ Association, the main purpose of the 61st Constitutional Amendment is to make students take part in elections considering they are the future of the country.
“Necessary directions may kindly be passed to all universities functioning in the state, chief secretary, higher education, skill development and technical education departments to postpone the examination and physical mode classes or any other activities from February 16 to February 24 for which the students’ community will be grateful,” added the memorandum.
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