The English Press Club sat down with Vansh Malik, one of the four candidates contesting for the post of President, for a short interview.
Hailing from Faridabad, Vansh is a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Computing Engineering. He attributed his decision to contest the election to his family’s background, explaining that his father served in the police and his brother was in the army. Additionally, he mentioned that he was preparing for the UPSC examination and said that the role of President would provide him with administrative experience. Reflecting on his involvement in last year’s elections, he said that meeting and getting to know more people across the campus strengthened his desire to contribute more to the campus community.
Vansh identified accountability and transparency within the SU as one of the primary priorities of his campaign. He criticised the current lack of transparency surrounding expenditures. He also proposed the launch of “Pilani Index”—a tracker covering campus services and issues, as a means of documenting problems and strengthening the General Body Members’ (GBM) ability to hold the SU and the administration accountable.
Among his key manifesto proposals, Vansh highlighted reforming the fee structure for dual-degree students, arguing that the existing system imposes additional costs during their fifth year, despite them already having completed their courses by then. He also identified higher degree students as an often overlooked group, pointing to concerns regarding TA/RS schedules, stipends, working hours and placements. He advocated for compensation that reflects the work performed, particularly when working hours exceed those stipulated.
Addressing rumours about his involvement behind a recent incident at Vyas Bhawan, Vansh said he was unaware of the incident when it occurred and did not know its specifics. Based on the information available to him, he characterised it as a minor dispute between wingies rather than a politically motivated incident.
On a parting note, Vansh said he wanted to build a campus that was more ‘data-driven, tech-driven and culture-driven’ in terms of technology, and urged the students to participate in the elections.