Akash believes that continuity in leadership is key to maintaining the progress they’ve achieved while striving for further advancements in education equality, infrastructure improvements, and student welfare. Polling Date: Date: 25th October 2024 (Friday) Time: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM Join Akash Kumar and the ASA-BSF-DSU-SFI alliance in their ongoing journey towards a better and more inclusive University of Hyderabad. Make your vote count for a future that values justice, equality, and progress. Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel and podcast platforms, and don't forget to subscribe for more interviews with key student leaders. Here are the key highlights from the ASA-BSF-DSU-SFI manifesto for the 2024-25 University of Hyderabad Students' Union Elections: 1. Social Justice and Inclusivity: Commitment to resisting privatization and graded autonomy in higher education, ensuring education remains a right for all, not a privilege for the few. Introduction of Deprivation Points during admissions for non-male students and candidates from marginalized regions. Advocacy for gender-neutral washrooms and transgender-friendly hostels. Continued fight for better access to social welfare scholarships for marginalized students, ensuring timely disbursements. 2. Academic and Research Support: No fee hikes in response to ongoing fund cuts, to prevent marginalized students from being excluded from education. Push for increased fellowships (Non-NET, UoH-SA) and timely disbursement. Fight against exclusionary academic policies, such as the minimum CGPA criteria for MA dissertations. Establishment of a University Press to support research publications by students and faculty. 3. Hostel and Mess Improvements: Construction of new hostels and improved sanitation and pest control in existing facilities. Advocacy for gender-neutral and married scholars' hostels. Implementation of mess transparency and resistance to privatization of mess facilities. Introduction of common kitchens and washing machine services in all hostels. 4. Infrastructure Enhancements: Expansion of Wi-Fi facilities in public places and hostels. Demand for better canteen tendering policies to ensure affordable food prices for students. Installation of tactile guiding paths for visually impaired students and ramps for better accessibility. 5. Sports and Cultural Development: Renovation of sports facilities including a mini-football ground, basketball courts, and a yoga center. Organization of progressive cultural festivals such as Sukoon, film festivals, and literary festivals celebrating diverse cultures and student talents. 6. Health and Hygiene: Regular health camps addressing specific medical concerns like PCOD/PCOS, thyroid issues, and mental health support. Weekly transgender health consultations at the university health center. Improved sanitation measures, including regular fumigation and institutional support for mental health awareness. 7. Environmental Sustainability: Establishment of a committee for environmental protection and waste management on campus. Demand for Environmental Impact Assessments before the construction of new infrastructure to maintain ecological balance. 8. Student Welfare and Campus Democracy: Advocacy for the right to free speech and protection of public spaces for critical discussions and debates. Resistance to communal organizations like RSS on campus and arbitrary disciplinary actions by the administration. Creation of a Minority Welfare Cell and advocacy for better representation of SC, ST, OBC, and EWS students. These highlights outline a clear focus on social justice, academic support, inclusivity, and infrastructure improvement, making the ASA-BSF-DSU-SFI alliance a strong advocate for a fair and progressive student community.