Security guards ask students for their identity cards and vehicle pass near the entrance of Ravenshaw University as part of the measures to check the entry of outsiders to the campus ahead of students’ union elections. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Sept. 19: The authorities of Ravenshaw University have decided to restrict the entry of outsiders ahead of the students’ union election scheduled for next month.

Though a final notification regarding the poll schedule is yet to be announced, the varsity officials have already started taking precautionary measures to maintain discipline on campus, considering a string of violent clashes involving students and non-students in the recent past.

The varsity has clamped restriction on the entry of outsiders into the campus after 7.30pm which will be strictly followed till the election process is completed. “We have taken measures to maintain peace on campus and decided to re-introduce vehicular pass system for students and officials staying on the varsity campus,” said vice-chancellor B.C. Tripathy.

Officials said all freshers this year had been asked to submit photocopies of their vehicle registration and identity cards so that they can be issued vehicle passes. The pass system was introduced by the varsity ahead of the students’ union polls last year.

Apart from students and staff, others intending to enter Ravenshaw University for official work or meet their wards have to register their names, purpose of visit and vehicle number at the varsity entrance. Tripathy also said a committee had been formed to conduct a special drive to evict non-boarders from various hostels on campus.

The drive is likely to begin in a couple of days. Several non-students, who are reportedly sharing rooms with hostel boarders, have been involved in campus disturbances and clashes from time to time. “Their eviction is necessary to prevent clashes, which are routine affairs during elections,” said Swati Sahu, a student.

Varsity officials said adequate steps would be taken for the smooth conduct of the elections and various committees would be formed for the purpose. Moreover, taking into account rash driving, the authorities have banned the entry of two-wheelers and four-wheelers into the commerce block.

Sources said the decision had been taken to allow students to complete formalities for nominations, which is done at the commerce block.

However, authorities said such restrictions on the entry of vehicles would continue even after the elections.