DUSU Election 2024: MCD to Recover Rs 4.55 Lakh for Defacement Cleanup
Uncover the controversy surrounding the DUSU Election 2024 as the MCD demands Rs 4.55 lakh for defacement cleanup, delaying results. Find out how the court’s decision impacts Delhi University’s biggest election!
The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Election 2024 has not only stirred excitement on campus but also led to significant costs for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Following the defacement of public property with illegal posters, hoardings, and banners by candidates during the election campaign, the MCD is set to recover over Rs 4.55 lakh from Delhi University for cleanup expenses.
Massive Defacement During DUSU Election 2024
The DUSU Election 2024 witnessed widespread defacement across the city. Election candidates, in their bid to gain visibility, put up a large number of unauthorized posters and banners, violating civic regulations. These actions led to the extensive defacement of public spaces, requiring a major cleanup effort from the MCD.
Breakdown of Cleanup Costs
- MCD deployed resources: A total of 37 workers and four trucks were employed by the MCD to clean up the defacement.
- Duration of the cleanup: The operation lasted for 11 days, starting on September 13 and ending on September 26, just a day before the DUSU Election 2024.
- Cost of resources: The MCD spent Rs 1,53,120 on trucks and Rs 3,01,994 on labour for the cleanup.
- Total cost: The total amount the MCD will recover from Delhi University stands at Rs 4,55,114.
Court Involvement and Delayed Results
The situation escalated when the defacement issue was brought to the court’s attention. The court had earlier directed Delhi University to bear the expenses for restoring public property, as the university is responsible for maintaining law and order during its elections. As a result, the declaration of the DUSU Election 2024 results, originally scheduled for September 28, has been postponed. The court will only allow the results to be declared once the defacement is fully cleared.
The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 21, and until then, the results of the DUSU Election 2024 remain in limbo. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used for the election have been securely stored in a strongroom, monitored by security, awaiting the court’s final decision.
Delhi University’s Responsibility
Delhi University is tasked with paying the costs incurred by multiple agencies involved in the cleanup. This includes the MCD, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and other government departments. The court has allowed the university to recover these expenses from the candidates responsible for the defacement. However, there has been no response from the university administration on how they plan to collect these costs from the candidates.
The cleanup effort involved not only the MCD but also the DMRC, which has yet to estimate its expenses for cleaning its properties. As of now, the DMRC has not provided a detailed cost breakdown.
Repeated Warnings Ignored
Ahead of the DUSU Election 2024, the office of the Chief Election Officer issued several notices to the contesting candidates. These notices urged the candidates to remove unauthorized banners and posters. It warned them of potential disqualification if they failed to comply. Despite these warnings, there was minimal action taken by the candidates. This led to widespread violations of the election code of conduct.
The Election Officer also emphasized that the university administration. They will comply fully with the court’s decision. There will be no appeal for relaxation in declaring the DUSU Election 2024 results until the court hears the matter on October 21.
Impact on the Election Results
With the results of the DUSU Election 2024 now delayed, the university’s campus remains in a state of uncertainty. The outcome of the election is crucial for the student body, and the delay has caused frustration among students and candidates alike. The court’s decision has put a hold on what would have been a major event on campus, creating a tense atmosphere.
The university administration is now under pressure to find a solution. They are trying to recover the cleanup costs from the responsible candidates. This could set a precedent for future elections. Until then, all parties involved must wait for the court’s final decision.
Key Takeaways:
1. Defacement during DUSU Election 2024: Candidates put up illegal posters and banners across public property. This has led to widespread defacement.
2. MCD’s cleanup efforts: The MCD deployed 37 workers and 4 trucks for an 11-day cleanup operation, which cost over Rs 4.55 lakh.
3. Court’s involvement: The court has stalled the declaration of the DUSU Election 2024 results. The decision will remain in force until the defacement is fully cleared.
4. Responsibility of Delhi University: The university is required to pay the cleanup costs and has the right to recover the expenses from the responsible candidates.
5. Repeated warnings ignored: Candidates were warned multiple times to remove illegal posters. But still, the compliance was minimal, resulting in penalties.
6. Delayed election results: The results of the DUSU Election 2024 are now expected to be announced after the court hearing on October 21.
7. EVMs stored securely: The EVMs used in the election have been placed in a secure strongroom until the court allows the results to be declared.
8. Uncertain future: Both the university and the candidates are waiting for the court’s next move. That will determine when the DUSU Election 2024 results will finally be announced.
Conclusion
The DUSU Election 2024 has not only been a significant event for Delhi University but also a source of legal and financial complications. With the defacement of the public property taking centre stage, the MCD’s efforts to clean up the mess have come at a cost. The responsibility for covering those costs now falls on the university. Until the court clears the path, the outcome of the election will remain unresolved. This leaves students, candidates, and the administration in a state of anticipation.
