For this SU review, we have changed our regular grading process. We have assigned units to individual manifesto points, so that our metric captures the relative importance of initiatives. Note that this is strictly a review of the President and General Secretaries’ manifesto implementation, not a judgement of their overall tenure.
President: Satyansh Rai
Smart Campus Initiative – C- (3 Units)
Point
This initiative aimed to integrate various academic platforms like Nalanda and the library portal with other services such as mess signings and pre-booking facilities at food outlets into a single application.
Performance
Looking at the increase in the number of applications that students use on campus, the Students’ Union decided against going forward with this idea. However, in a bid to increase transparency, the SU did launch a web portal through which mess signings can be done and cancellations carried out.
Comments
The app was not launched. No provisions for pre-booking facilities were made.
Apollo Healthcare Facility – B- (3 Units)
Point
The establishment of a 24/7 emergency and the introduction of high quality equipment.
Performance
Satyansh mentioned that owing to the Institute’s reluctance in the privatisation of the healthcare facilities on campus, Apollo could not set up a clinic. With regard to Med-C, a multiple-parameter patient monitoring equipment has been procured and the pharmacy timings have been extended till midnight. The ambulance has also been upgraded with a new life-support system. The Institute has also collaborated with hospitals like Medanta so that in cases of extreme emergency students can be shifted over there.
Comments
While medical facilities on campus have improved as a part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Action Points that were communicated to the students at the start of the academic year, no progress was made on bringing Apollo Healthcare Facility to campus.
Jio Digital Campus Program – C- (3 Units)
Point
To set up Jio’s Wi-Fi hotspots at subsidised prices throughout the campus.
Performance
Satyansh said that instead of this point, the Institute’s wireless network would be extended to the Students’ Activities Centre (SAC) and the library. The IPC is prioritising bringing the BITS STUDENT Network, currently present in three hostels, to all of them. This would then be followed by the extension of the network to SAC and library. By Satyansh’s assessment, this should be in place by the start of the next semester.
Comments
Satyansh could not complete his promise of setting up Jio hotspots, and the extension of the Institute’s internet has been on the IPC’s radar since before he took office.
Improving the Academic Environment on Campus – B (3 Units)
Point
Making the library operational 24×7. Setting up a coaching centre on campus for GRE, CAT, and other examinations.
Performance
For this operation, additional funds were allocated from the administration towards hiring part-time workers. After implementing it for a week during the mid-semester exams, students were often found in breach of the etiquette that is expected from them, with plastic wrappers and cups being found inside the halls. Hence, after discussions with the Librarian and the Dean of Administration, it was decided that the timings would only be extended during examinations and not throughout the semester.
With regard to the coaching centre, after a talk with the institute, Satyansh concurred with them that external faculty might at times be at odds with BITS’ faculty teaching similar courses and such clashes would be difficult to resolve. Hence, this idea has been dropped.
Comments
While Satyansh did come through on his promise about making the library operational 24×7, he could have talked to the Institute regarding their reservations about the coaching centres before he put it in his manifesto.
Ola E-Rickshaw Initiative – E (2 Units)
Point
Standardization of Auto Rates with real time tracking.
Performance
The SU was in talks with a company (not Ola) to provide e-rickshaws on campus with real time tracking online. They also had a talk with the Chief Warden about the same. But due to the lack of time, this manifesto point could not be completed.
Comments
No aspect of this manifesto point was implemented.
Installation of Snack-Vending Machines – A (3 Units)
Performance
Vending machines have been installed in thirteen locations across campus including the library and LTC. RFID cards, linked to students’ SWD accounts, have been issued to students who wish to use these machines.
Comments
This manifesto point has been completed.
Sanitary Pad Dispensers – A (3 Units)
Performance
Sanitary pad dispensers have been installed at Meera Bhawan and various girl washrooms across campus. The response amongst students has been fairly positive.
Comments
This manifesto point has been completed.
Equipping Hostels with Better Facilities – A- (3 Units)
Point
This point involved the installation of motion sensors in the washrooms as well as insulation of the water tanks to provide optimal water temperature throughout the year.
Performance
Motion sensors have already been installed in Mal-A and VK Bhawans. Satyansh has further received strong assurances from the administration that by the end of this semester, motion sensors would be installed in all hostel washrooms. The water tanks in Ram and Budh Bhawans were insulated at the start of the semester and based on the feedback received the process shall be continued in other hostels.
Comments
While significant progress towards both points has been made, Satyansh could not completely implement either during his tenure.
Setting up the SU Store – C (2 Units)
Performance
The SU has been allotted space in Akshay through which the merchandise of various clubs and departments that come under the SU’s purview would be sold. The profits generated would be added to the SU’s fund.
Comments
The store had not started functioning as of the time of the writing of the article.
Amul Parlor – A (3 Units)
Performance
An Amul booth has been set up in front of Gym-G to provide dairy products to BITSians. The booth is operational from 6 A.M to 2 A.M. The managers at the booth are pleased with the response they have received from the student community thus far.
Comments
This manifesto point has been completed.
ID Card Facility at S9 – E (1 Unit)
Performance
Satyansh mentioned that the software that is currently used at food outlets has been designed for food items and was not fit for printing purposes, and as the present software was developed over the past few years, it would not have been possible to simply modify it for use at S9.
Comments
This manifesto point was not implemented.
Visitors’ and Girls’ Washroom near ANC – A- (2 Units)
Performance
Construction of the washrooms has already been started and is expected to be completed along with the renovation of Shankar Bhawan.
Comments
Even though the construction has started, it would only be complete after his tenure ends.
Passport and ISIC Card Camp – B (2 Units)
Performance
The SU worked with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association to offer ISIC cards to BITSians this semester. About 100 students applied for the same. The cards are expected to be delivered by the end of the semester. For the passport camp, the SU had acquired permissions from the Ministry of External Affairs, but due to the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, a date could not be decided. Satyansh believes that the camp would be held by the start of the next semester.
Comments
While ISIC cards were offered, the Passport camp could not be held within Satyansh’s tenure.
CGPA- 7.39
The role played by the SU Core Committee
Talking about the work done by the UC this year, Satyansh said that the formation of the Core Committee was an organisational change brought forth by Akash Singh and himself to motivate the volunteers of the SU to work. As the SU volunteers were only allotted menial jobs, they were not very driven to work for the GBM. Being a part of this committee, they got opportunities to work on matters of substance. While Satyansh acted as the bridge between the administration and the third-party vendors, the logistics were generally handled by this newly formed committee. Work was delegated to various members based on their work ethic and past work experiences.
Running the Fests
Satyansh was also proud of the way Oasis and APOGEE were organised under his tenure as both fests made profits after a very long time. At the time of his taking over, the administration had asked him to shut APOGEE down as they did not want a fest in which students had little interest. He commended the present CoStAA for transforming the fest. Within one edition, the fest went from incurring a loss of about ₹17 lakh last year to recording a profit of around ₹1 lakh. He further added that they have already raked in sponsorships worth ₹4.5 lakh for the next APOGEE and the profits generated this year would also be handed over to the next CoStAA rather than to the SU. He believes that the previous organising committees of the fest were plagued by internal conflicts which was reflected in their handling of the fests. In his opinion, the unity shown by the current CoStAA, despite many differences in opinion, was instrumental to the fest’s success. Satyansh said that he along with the CRC has also decided to make broad points of the fest’s budget public this year. He added that releasing the entire budget would not be in the Institute’s best interest as it could be exploited by other colleges organising similar festivals.
As his parting words to the BITSian community, Satyansh said that he believes that they have taken the SU to great heights this year. He requested BITSians to keep trust in their elected representatives and to motivate them to work for their welfare.
General Secretary: Akash Singh
National Students’ Union Conference (NSUC) — C- (3 units)
Point
The establishment of a national conference of college Student Unions to brainstorm and carry out social and technical initiatives.
Performance
Akash said that a sponsorship deal had been worked out, and IIT-R, IIT-KGP, and IIT-M were onboard. His team was also in talks with IIT-K and IIT-D. An itinerary was planned, however the conference did not happen. Akash mentioned that he was unable to form a team to work on the conference and that a group is working to make the conference happen next year.
Comments
A lot of the background work had been done, but the conference itself did not happen. The issue of a lack of workforce should have been addressed before the work began.
Research & technical boost— A- (3 units)
Point
Facilitating purchases via the CPU, and reducing excise duties.
Performance
A four-member team, headed by Abishek Balaji, was formed to work with the Centralised Purchases Unit (CPU). Clubs, departments, and technical teams can now get inventory items at a discounted rate through the CPU, instead of buying them directly from merchants, and receiving a reimbursement later. Now, money will directly be transferred from the SU ledger to the CPU ledger whenever a purchase is made.
Comments
The manifesto also mentioned that Akash would ‘strive to include CSR [Corporate Social Responsibility] and Alumni funds to sponsor these purchases.’ The progress made in this regard is restricted to the Alumni Relations Cell being asked to contact alumni from the next semester onwards to seek funds.
Deferred placement— B (3 units)
Point
Giving undergraduates the option to sit for placements up to two years after graduation.
Performance
A survey was conducted to get the opinions of pre-final year students, the results of which were sent to the Senior Placement Manager, Mr. Tabir Mishra. The data has been forwarded to the Chief Placement Manager, and at his go-ahead, students will be given the option to sit for placements one or two years after they graduate. The Placement Unit, however, said that this program will not be extended to those who wish to pursue a Master’s degree or to enter the Civil Services. Akash mentioned that the reason for this was that the institute did not want to vouch for the education that Master’s students received from other universities.
Comments
The option to defer placements will only be available to those students who are starting up companies of their own. While the institute’s reasons for disallowing other students to opt for this scheme are valid, Akash should have gathered the required information before putting the point in its entirety on his manifesto.
Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) — A (3 units)
Point
A structured initiative to make sophomores mentor freshers.
Performance
A twelve-member executive team was recruited, and extensive documentation was prepared to guide the team in mentoring first-year students. A group of 86 freshers was recruited to mentor the incoming batch next semester. Training sessions have begun for these mentors. The PMP team will also work closely with a ‘Mental Health Cell’, which is being set up on campus by Mpower Minds, an initiative by Neerja Birla.
Comments
The PMP has been implemented, and work has also been done for mental health support.
SU Store — B (2 units)
Point
To tie up with brands and provide discounts on apparel and stationery.
Performance
The PUMA T-shirt sold recently was a part of this initiative. Abishek Balaji has been delegated the remaining work for the tie-up with Classmate, wherein high quality notebooks with a BITS theme will be sold at discounted rates. Mess signings for the notebooks will be done next semester. Additionally, a physical SU store will be operational in Akshay soon, which will sell old SU merchandise among other items.
Comments
Apart from the PUMA T-shirt, most work on this point is yet to happen. Akash claims that the store will be operational soon, however that has not happened at the time of writing.
Greenolution cycle rental — D (2 units)
Point
To provide cheap and accessible cycle rentals.
Performance
Around 200 unused cycles were repaired and sold for a profit. 50 repaired cycles have not been sold and Akash said that they will be used to establish a rental service. This requires an initial capital of at least ₹8–9 lakhs, which is expected to be funded by alumni donations. Coding Club is developing a software for this service. The rental service could not be implemented this semester due to the lack of a workforce.
Comments
Establishing a cycle rental service has been a failed point of several previous manifestos. One might have expected Akash to carry out more research before pursuing the same idea. A lot of work remains to be done, from acquiring funding and setting up the application to establishing a workforce to run the service.
Trunk Shifting — B (1 unit)
Point
Hiring of workers and auto, and organization of cloak rooms.
Performance
Akash said that tractors have been hired to shift trunks, and standardised rates of ₹20-30 will be charged.
Comments
The manifesto also mentions that the cloakroom area will be marked and luggage will be kept according to wings. This point can only be entirely evaluated if and when it is implemented at the end of the semester, and the current grade has been assigned based on background work that seems to have been done.
Mid-tenure Assessment Convention — E (1 unit)
Point
An auditorium debate-like meet was planned to assess the progress made by the UC.
Performance
This idea was scrapped as the expected turnout was very low, which would have made the convention ineffective. Akash also said that since both the Hindi and English Press Clubs publish a review at the end of a year, this point became redundant.
Comments
It might be expected that the convention ought to have taken place and the turnout being judged hence. Instead, the convention was called off based on a low ‘expected’ turnout. And regardless of whether Press Clubs publish reviews, the UC is answerable directly to the public.
Leftover food to be distributed to workers — A- (1 unit)
Performance
A Feeding India chapter is being opened on campus, and one lunchbox with leftover food will be given to each worker. Akash promises that this initiative will commence within the current week.
Comments
The delay notwithstanding, the point seems to be near completion.
CGPA:7.35
Revamping the Constitution
Besides his manifesto points, Akash Singh is also working on drafting a new constitution for the SU. He is planning to do a SOP under Prof. NVM Rao, about “Governance Aspect of BITS Pilani”. A new framework for the constitution is being worked upon and a draft will be sent to two lawyers by May 15. The lawyers will work on the structure of the constitution, which includes defining of the fundamental rights, determining who holds the right to amend a particular law, and other such procedural duties. This draft will then be sent to UC members and SU committees to incorporate their suggestions, following which it will go to the administration for approval. After their approval, it will finally be sent to the GBM for voting. Akash emphasized the urgency of this measure, as the current constitution has many fundamental flaws.
The Role of the SU
A proposal for having permanent coaches for sports teams on campus has been sent to the director, and an amount of ₹4.5 lakh has been sanctioned to the Sports Council for the same. Coaches for six sports will be on campus for the entirety of next semester, during which their performance will be gauged. After this evaluation, a permanent decision will be taken.
A key problem identified from the Problem Identification Drive—an SU initiative to establish a formal communication channel for students to communicate their issues—was that all lecture videos are not uploaded on Impartus. This problem was then relayed to the Institute, which is now working on making Impartus functional for NAB lectures as well. Akash stated that although the UC has spent more time working on improving student life on campus than working for fests, both Oasis and APOGEE went well. Both these fests turned a profit this year.
The purpose of the SU is three-fold — to identify and solve the present problems of the GBM, to improve student life on a long-term basis, and to give back to society. For the last objective, Akash mentioned that a computer lab is being established in a nearby school, which is the alma mater of one of the Pulwama martyrs.
To his successors
His message to incoming office-bearers is to ensure that work is done under all these categories, and to focus more on fundamental changes rather than infrastructural ones, as the latter hasve been worked upon to a great deal in the past two years.
Note: An earlier version of this article had incorrect grades for a few manifesto points. The changes have been made, and CGPAs have been updated accordingly.