‘It’s been a productive semester for the Students’ Union’, said Shivam Jindal, the incumbent General Secretary. In an interview with the English Press Club, he reflected on the work done by him over the last semester.

One of the key points in Jindal’s manifesto was the promotion of cultural and technical activities. On that front, the Students’ Union had decided to increase the budget for outstation activities for cultural clubs. This money is set to go towards enabling Dance Club, FMac, REC, and other clubs to participate in various competitions and fests outside campus. Using this increased budget, FMac was able to participate in a national level film making competition. Jindal also approached the Alumni Cell with an integrated presentation of all the technical teams, for assistance and funding. This time, the SU has also stepped in to ensure that the promised prizes of intra-campus competitions are delivered.

The SU is working on an online portal to make their facilities easily available to the students. Jindal claims that the work has not been completed because of time constraints like midsems and fests. The content for  this portal is being made in collaboration with SWD and the institute. After being elected, he has changed his stance on bringing in more internship opportunities;  he feels that many already exist on campus.

A heavily debated point at the time of elections was Jindal’s promise to bring a Jawed Habib saloon on campus. Progress is being made on this – the contact has come to campus, inspected sites, taken dimensions, and calculated profits. The General Secretary is also looking into the establishment of an IOT(Internet Of Things) Centre of Excellence, in collaboration with Aeris.  Most of the work on these two fronts is scheduled to take place in the following semester.

Another highlight of Jindal’s manifesto was bringing vending machines to campus. Although contractors have been contacted, storage of the reserve material seems to be a major roadblock. SAC timings have been extended, and talks are on for extending Gym-G timings.

On a general note, Jindal says that he has seen an improvement in student power this year, and he hopes to carry the momentum into next semester.