At the second SAC meeting of the year convened by the SAC speaker Nikhil ’Lift’ Jogimahanti, the 2010-11 Executive Wing (EW) assembled to discuss points of importance. With the review of manifestos in sharp focus, each EW member presented a glimpse of the activities performed, in comparison to the points put forth in his manifesto. Additionally, the performance of additional major posts introduced this year was reviewed. A detailed, comprehensive analysis follows.
A point of contention from the previous SAC meeting was discussed – where the SAC had unanimously acceded to the proposal of abolition of the post of the Garden Secretary. Initially it was proposed that the Mess Secretary be entrusted with the responsibilities of the Garden Secretary. This proposal elicited a singular objection from the General Secretary of Sarayu who argued that Sarayu, unlike other hostels does not get hostel volunteers due to which all the hostel work is shared among the Secretaries. Hence approval of such a proposal would only exacerbate the situation. The objection was agreed to be valid by all the SAC members, and after much deliberation, it was agreed that, the Garden Secretary post shall continue.
T5E, being the institute newspaper, collated the proceedings of the meeting and reviewed the manifestos. The article was initially intended to be a part of the second edition of the T5E newspaper, but as the elections are scheduled for March 9th, it was decided to be published online.
The manifestos of the Executive Wing 2010-11 can be found here.
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Students General Secretary (Dodda Ram Nikhil)
- Proposal for a roof top restaurant near the water tank behind Sindhu has been approved. Materialization of the plan has begun with the process of seeking caterers.
- Permission for a Student Heritage Centre showcasing achievements of students has been granted. It will be set up in HSB 132 & 133 after relevant groundwork is done.
- A PR team, acting as a conduit between the institute and the media, has been formed informally and work has been taking place in the background. It will be solidified soon. Two documentaries have been shot in the institute which augmented its PR.
- 5 EMLs have taken place this year with substantial attendance. Efforts are now being put in to bring out an EML yearbook. A ‘Know Your Institute’ program had been conducted for freshmen at the beginning of the year. It involved interaction of the EW with the freshmen in order to familiarize them with the institute. It was quite a success with around 700 students attending the session.
- As a part of the green initiatives on campus, in association with S-Net, tube lights have been replaced with energy efficient LED lighting for all Undergraduate Hostels.
- In the middle of April an ‘inheritance pool’ is scheduled to take place. This is where students can pool in stuff that is not of use to them. The items collected would then be exchanged or shared among themselves. Passport and Pan Card camps and sale of discounted laptops will also take place at the end of the semester.
- IITM T-shirts, themed on the World Cup 2011, are being released.
- Complete computerization of the institute hospital has taken place. Stretchers and other basic facilities for all the hostels will be provided shortly.
Points that were not implemented
- Rain shelters and schedule boards will be installed at the bus stalls by the engineering unit. The idea of a GPS tracking system for the institute buses was put forth but the decision of its implementation has not been taken yet. Air compressors for CRC and the main gate will be set up in about two weeks.
- Restoration and maintenance of restrooms at the institute gates was proposed but was immediately declined by the administration.
- Seating facilities have not been constructed between Gajendra Circle and Main Gate.
- “Search for a Travel Buddy” has not been implemented in the Students Portal.
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Academic Affairs Secretary (Anuraag ‘Patent’ Nallapati)
- The AAS stated that the Placement team managed to establish relationships with over 1200 companies last year. The alumni database at the IIT MAA was also tapped for contacting alumni in various companies to invite them for placements. The AAS stated, “This however was not very effective this year but has a huge potential in the future.”
- Companies have been mailed to be put up to speed on the existing post graduate profiles.
- Feedback from graduating students last year was collected regarding preparation and recruitment processes to be made available to final year students. This will be done again this year in the month of March.
- Graduating students who were placed in good companies were invited to speak about their experiences in each department at the end of last year.
- For the first time in the institute, there has been an increased participation of Alumni in training programs like “iitMentor Connect” which received a large turnout. This was conducted in association with the SGS.
- Placements of IITM have been advertised in numerous newspapers and the Outlook Magazine.
- The website has been restructured to incorporate additional features such as the calendar and database of available information.
- About 800 students have already been placed this year compared to 744 students placed at the close of placements last year in June. Over 100 companies which did not visit us last year recruited from the campus. 65 companies among these visited us for the first time this year. The average pay package for students has also increased.
- Modifications to the Library website have been made over the year in an effort to make the entire process of borrowing and returning books automated. RFID tagging of the books is underway and is scheduled to finish by the end of the month. A system to ensure that the books are present in the designated sections is being followed. Staff at the library has been asked to work on this daily.
- The department of Biotechnology has submitted a proposal to both the Dean Academics and the Dean Students to make a few structural changes to the department. It was proposed that the Btech degree in Biotechnology be abolished and replaced with Dual Degree with specializations.
- Modifications brought about through the Disciplinary and Welfare committee: The earlier practice of just awarding either Us or Ws to students found committing malpractices was relooked at and modifications were proposed to award graded punishments.
Points that were not implemented
- “Club Sessions” for training, intended to be held every month, did not occur.
- Online Aptitude tests were not created.
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Research Affairs Secretary (Srinivas Bhaskar Karanki)
- The soft skills training programs conducted as mentioned in the manifesto, saw a turnout of 80 students in contrast to the almost nil turnout last year.
- Recruitment of students pursuing M.S along with M. Tech students has been arranged for.
- Recruitment Figures: 70% placed this year in comparison to 53% placed last year.
- M.S and M.Tech councilors coordinated with the B.Tech/Dual Degree Branch councilors for the first time to extend the companies recruiting undergraduates to recruit PGs as well.
- Grade sheets have been introduced for research scholars for the first time this year.
- Rules regarding stipend have been revised. P.G students are authorized to receive their stipends on/before (in case of holidays) the first of every month. However, they are required to acknowledge the receipt within a week, failing which the stipend for the next month stands cancelled.
- A large number of journals have been made accessible in the library. The print editions have been scrapped and were replaced with soft copies.
- The RAS said that there has been a laudable amount of participation in the SNET activities from the Post Graduates.
- In the House Allotment Committee meeting, the ratio of house allotment for the QIP Scholars to regular Research scholars has been changed from 2:1 to 1:2 which will speed up the allotment for regular scholars in the long waiting list.
- Research Expo, an opportunity for the research scholars to showcase their research, has been introduced in Shaastra 2010. It has received a good response from the audience.
Points that were not implemented
It is worthy to note that the Research Affairs Secretary has been appreciated by the administration for a large number of changes he has brought in this year.
- A new portal where Research Scholars can post their academic problems and receive solutions from other scholars was not implemented.
- A separate brochure for Research scholars to “provide details of RAs and to highlight research work” was not created.
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Co-Curricular Affairs Secretary (Vivek ‘Stretch’ Rajkumar)
- The prime objectives mainly revolved around Shaastra and Institute co-curricular affairs.
- To make Shaastra more inspiring and enlivening, to improve institute participations, to use Shaastra as a platform to inculcate a sense of social responsibility in students were some of the chief goals. The Co-AS maintained that these objectives have been successfully achieved to a great extent.
- “Imagineer Impact” was the theme adapted to realize the above objectives. The concept of diversification saw workshops pertaining to Biotechnology like Forensic and Biomimicry, Infrafest and Astronomy workshop in Shaastra which received a lot of positive response from the participants.
- Increase in quality and quantity of participants was ensured by extensive online tutorial, event description videos and manuals, TDPs and increase in prize money by over 30%.
- Shaastra Impact was accomplished through brand new events like Anveshana, Drishya, Toy Story,’Sankalp-Shaastra at a village’ & Symposium on education in rural India.
- Highest number of events till date: 55 including 10 ‘on the spot’ events.
- Shaastra Sampark, Posters and pamphlets pertaining to local, regional and national publicity and early release of website and problem statements (earliest release till date) generated the required momentum and anticipation regarding Shaastra.
- Innovative tech-exhibitions like Research Expo and SOEs, and initiatives like the first-ever student built Tech-Show and night Air-Show added a new dimension to Shaastra.
- Regarding institute co-curricular activities, a formal process of selection into CFI, C-TIDES was initiated. Bi-yearly reviews and provision of support systems to the above organisations are being achieved.
- Unification of co-curricular activities was achieved with the AeroClub and iBOT Clubs being responsible for carrying out every activity of their respective fields. The Sustainability event at Tec-Soc and Tech-Soc point schemes were also revised and revamped to create significant impact.
- A Media Club has been set up which now covers all student activities and events happening in the institute.
Points that were not implemented
- The QMS (ISO: 14001/19011) was not implemented
- There has been no edition of the tech-newsletter. It was intended to cover all the campus events and update the student body about TechSoc and Shaastra.
- The tech-portal where “one can search for and find students with experience in a particular field of pursuit” was not created.
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Hostel Affairs Secretary (Gautam ‘Back Hand’ Komirishetty)
- The G4S system has been implemented. It had addressed plumbing and civil complaints but turned out to be inefficient. Electrical complaints are being out sourced to a company known as New Power.
- Fortnight menu has been implemented in M1. It is being implemented in M2. Also, the proceedings of the mess secretaries over the semester will be put up on the student portal to serve the purpose of valuation.
- Partial outsourcing of the CSU stall was proposed. It was tried out for a short period of time but turned out to be ineffective as it incurred losses.
- Arrangement for getting new canteens- one in front of the lib and another behind of Sindhu are in progress. Also, permission has been granted to get cycle repair shops near Sindhu and the library.
- 3 food courts, with a total count of 1330 boys and 460 girls, have been running efficiently. A poll was taken from the students regarding the quality of food in Basera. The results have been noted and necessary action will be taken soon. The CCW is in contact with 6-7 caterers.
- Insurance maximum claim amount has been increased from Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000.
- Regarding laundry, turnover statistics have been studied and complaints have been addressed. Effective laundry services will be provided for the benefit students before long.
- Up gradation of the accounting system of CCW has taken place. It consists of 3 phases- Phase 1 had online documentation of student information. Phase 2 involves setting up an online database which would store all the swipe card transactions of an individual. It is likely to be up and running by the end of the semester. As a part of phase 3, payment of fees will be made online.
- Rs 4 a day subsidy has been added to the CCW accounts of students for the period of July 2008 to June 2010.
Points that were not implemented
- An evaluation system for Mess Secretaries has not been implemented.
- Recharge of Swipe cards through POS Machines at hostels has not been implemented.
- Biometric check for monitoring transportation was proposed but was met with strong resistance from the Dean.
- Permission for automatic vending machines was initially granted by the administration. A deal was finalized with Pepsi but certain crucial criteria could not be met with which ultimately resulted in the deal being scrapped. The proposition of getting crockery sterilizers was rejected by the Chairman, Council of Wardens.
The second edition of T5E will have an interview with the HAS to understand details of his role.
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Sports Affairs Secretary (Sharath ‘Hic’ G)
- A 2-3 weeks sports camp will be held in the beginning of the summer vacation in 2011.
- There will be one weekend dedicated to sports and other such activities called the Gymkhana weekend. Competitions will be held among 4 clubs, each constituting of a team in football, hockey, basketball, tennis, volley ball, table tennis and badminton, chosen from among the best teams on campus.
- Sports EML’s are planned to be organized in the months of March and April. Tentatively, it will be by Srikanth in March and VVS Lakshman in April.
- Everything that was proposed concerning infrastructure like floodlights, improvement of drainage system in the fields, plastic covers for volley courts, etc has been included in the ‘MasterPlan’ (Plan proposed and maintained by the Director that includes major infrastructural changes in the institute).
- The need for a token system for badminton did not arise as there was never much congestion at the courts. Also, badminton, swimming and fitness club cards were not issued on a monthly basis because there was no demand from the student side. Semester wise cards were reckoned to be more economical.
- Some of matches of PG Schroeter took place in the odd semester so as to not to cram up the schedule of the even semester. Athletic Schroeter was spread over two semesters as well. Also, to ensure fair conduct of the games, external referees will be roped in.
- The pre-final and final of the world cup 2011 will be screened at OAT.
Points that were not implemented
- A ‘Fun Week – An event with kite flying, tug of war, gilli danda, frisbee, etc. Will also have a demo baseball game showcased’ has not happened.
- A first year team for each sport could not be formed due to lack of adequate response from students. Also, NSO throw ball was scrapped in lieu of NSO volleyball for girls.
- Benchmarking of team standards by regular participation in inter collegiate tournaments could not take place because the dean was not keen on sending institute teams to play on weekdays. Despite this hurdle, the teams had modest exposure because of a decent number of practice matches played.
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Cultural Affairs Secretary (Lit) (Ravi Teja ‘Saruku’ Kanneganti)
- It was explained that the addition of an extra pro show core was a necessity because of the magnitude of the world culture show held this year. He said that it turned out to be quite a wise decision because of the huge weights of the tasks in hand. An extra events core was added in order to ensure equal and exclusive importance to all the events in Saarang. By doing this, imbalance in the organization of events was avoided.
- Saarang layout was restructured in order to attract the masses towards the informals stage and the sponsor’s stalls. This animated zone also displayed adventure games like paintball and rappelling as promised.
- Online contests and the like were conducted about a month before Saarang. Kryptix had ardent enthusiasts. Online photography contest outrightly increased the fan base of Saarang to around 27,000. Saarang village witnessed a fair turnout.
- Saarang got ISO certified this year. Apart from this, the sponsorship money beat that of the golden year and revenue through ticket sales was around 8 lakhs more than that of last year.
- Lit Soc: There was an orientation program for PG students to augment awareness about LitSoc and Saarang. All the Lit events were evenly distributed over the two semesters in order to ensure zero overlap. The CAS said that Cultural clubs performed their duties and hence, events like the Chennai Scrabble open and IITM Open Quiz could be conducted. The CAS opined that the response was quite overwhelming.
- A day dedicated solely to LitSoc is proposed to be scheduled sometime in March with the institute WM and LM bands delivering a mini Proshow .
- It was proposed that the Saarang Combo kit for students and outstation participants would contain ProShow tickets, Sponsor coupons & T shirt coupons. But due to certain unavoidable reasons, it was limited to the first two. The cost of the kit came down to Rs 550 from Rs 1200.
Points that were not implemented
- A proposed Saarang Radio Channel was not created.
- Pre-Saarang enrichment workshops did not happen.
- “Saarang village will emphasise on portraying the diverse culture of India’s Northern states.” Being a point that has been prevalent in manifestos for over 2 years, it is worthy to note that Saarang Village had Kerala as a theme this year. 2 years ago, Saarang Village was themed on Gujarat.
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Cultural Affairs Secretary (Arts) (Nishant DK)
- The World Culture Show was successfully organized as promised and received an overwhelming response.
- The Saarang Year Book which catalogues the memories of this year’s Saarang is being compiled. It will soon be sent to the sponsors upon completion.
- The popular night this Saarang ensured a linguistic balance as mentioned in the manifesto in the light of the different regional songs sung by the popular artist KK.
- The ISO 9001:2008 obtained this year is expected to serve as a platform to obtain ISO 9001:14000, the Green Audit certification, a few years down the line.
- The CAS(S) stated that Word Games Club, Quizzing Club and the Debating Society are functioning exceedingly well. T5E would like to note that the Debating Club has had not more than 3 meetings till date. Other clubs will be scheduled for review.
Points that were not implemented
- Expected participants in MUN from Mauritius and Bangladesh withdrew due to curriculum issues. Hence there was no international participation this Saarang.
- Recreational events like Saarang Roadies, Juke Box and Karaoke Bar could not be introduced this time due to exhaustion of venues by big events like MUN. It is hereby suggested that MUN be made a Pre-Saarang event.
- Freshie Lit-Soc events could not be organized as planned due to an unfavorable response from the Dean towards the organization of Freshie Events in the odd semester.
- New Year Celebrations were not initiated as the Dean was not favorably disposed to the proposal owing to the scanty population of students present in the insti at that time.
- The CAS(S) stated that the Insti Radio Station proposal is being worked upon in co-ordination with the Co-AS.
- The proposal of converting the old Fitness Centre into a Cul-Hangout has been abandoned owing to the increased carbon footprint of the institute. Few old buildings including the above are scheduled for demolition.
- Events in vernacular languages were not introduced as a part of Lit-Soc.
- Lit-Soc events have not been publicized through, “communication channels like Twitter, Buzz and the Institute Radio.”
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SAC Speaker (Nikhil ‘Lift’ Jogimahanti)
- The first regular SAC meeting in the past few years has been conducted by the SAC Speaker in past April. A resolution was passed stating that “A minimum of three Regular SAC meetings must be conducted every year: at least one in the odd semester and two in the even semester, the last meeting being a joint session of the old and new SAC members”
- Several resolutions were passed, initiatives taken and issues were discussed in the SAC Meetings that took place this year, a few of them being:
– It was passed that the EW shall review the activities of the hostel council towards the end of each semester. This could not be implemented last semester due to time constraint. The Speaker maintained that it’ll take place once in this semester.
– All the Institute Organizations working through the office of Dean Students were brought under the domain of at least one Executive Wing member. The EW member either heads the team directly or supervises it.
– Any strong suggestions to be made to the administration shall be conveyed through the minutes of SAC meeting only. Students are advised to convey any major issue ranging from academics to working of institute service such as security, hospital, academic calendar, etc to their SAC representatives (Hostel Gen Secs and Councilors) after which these will be taken up in the SAC meetings, if necessary.
(For further details in this context visit http://students.iitm.ac.in/sac/sac-meetings)
- Revision of Student Constitution: Our Student Constitution was last revised in 1997, 13 years ago. Quite a few amendments have been made meanwhile which have to be incorporated into the original version. A few more amendments need to be made to reflect the current processes of today (For eg., Role of Alumni Affairs Secretary at hostel and institute level not yet officially described. This was done in the past SAC meeting). These are being compiled now before verification by the Dean-Students. The final version will be submitted to the Senate, for approval, in the Senate meeting to be conducted in mid-march.
- Extending from its online news forum, The Fifth Estate (T5E), has released the first ever official newsletter of IITM. Such regular editions will be released in periods of 30-45 days depending on the number of major events happening in the institute in that time period.
- Online booking of OAT/Film club cards was introduced to make the process simpler. Marry Brown stalls are set up at the OAT every Saturday. Online polling for screening movies was tested last semester and will be implemented on a regular basis by the end of this semester.
Points that were not implemented
- PG Committee was not formed. The SAC Speakers stated that, after discussions with RAS, this issue was taken under his authority.
- Personal interviews for EW candidates with the respective incumbent secretary before elections were not undertaken.
All the points have been written based on statements made by the EW during the February 2011 SAC Meeting.
This article was compiled by Manasa Renduchintala, Mounika Sonikar, Sohini Sarkar with inputs and support from Nikhil Jogimahanti, the SAC Speaker
