TANMAYA SWAIN
President, Utkal University

Poll promise: Wi-Fi facilities in hostels and departments, upgrade medical facilities, step up security on campus

Report card: Apart from ensuring an ambulance service for the university, things have not quite gone Tanmaya’s way. Wi-Fi remains a distant dream and students now scoff at the mention of ‘security’. Though peace prevailed in the varsity for the better part of his tenure, it went for a toss in July when students clashed with non-students on the campus, leading to cancellation of student union elections this year. The latest incident of violence took place on Wednesday in which the Congress-backed candidate himself was allegedly involved and left with head injuries. A few students, however, labelled Tanmaya as a dynamic leader, who personally resolved the issues of students as well as staff members. “It is unfair to blame him for the security lapse which, actually, is the responsibility of the university authorities,” said a student.

SUBHALAXMI TRIPATHY

President, Ramadevi Women’s Autonomous College

Poll promise: Drinking water facilities, spacious common room for students, clean and hygienic campus

Report card: Most students appeared to be happy with Subhalaxmi’s performance as college president. They said she had been successful in renovating the common room for students and repairing the toilet. As promised, regular cleaning drives are still being undertaken on campus. But drinking water remains a cause of concern for them. “Generally, final-year students run for the post of president. And after being elected, they devote very less time to address the grievances of students and then get busy in preparing for their final exams. She accomplished a few things in a short time and we must appreciate that. The most important issue in a women’s college is that of security and we do not have any complaint on that front,” said a student.

JYOTSNALIPI NANDA

President, Kamala Nehru Women’s College

Poll promise: Drinking water facilities, more books in library, meal system in canteen

Report card: Students were divided in their opinion of Jyotsnalipi as a leader. While some said her efforts had fallen flat, others said she had done more than what she had promised. “Because of her efforts, two water purifiers were installed. Even the cycle stand was relocated to a more spacious spot and the common room, renovated. For the first time in the history of our college, many companies came for placement drives and our seniors got job offers,” said a student.

However, the disgruntled section of students denied any knowledge of on-campus recruitment. “Further, drinking water problem has not been solved. We don’t need a meal system in canteen but more hygienic and healthy food to be sold. And the common room she claims to have renovated has been converted into a classroom now,” they said.

CHANDAN PAL

President, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities

Poll promise: Better hostel facilities, campus beautification and hygiene, green boards in classrooms

Report card: Hostel boarders are still waiting for better facilities and green boards haven’t been installed in classrooms. However, some amount of campus beautification has been achieved. Cleanliness and hygiene is being maintained. However, most students appeared indifferent about their former college president’s stint. Many of them could not even remember what the candidates had committed to them on the eve of elections last year. “Like they say, promises are meant to be broken. Anyway, we never had too many expectations, as we are aware of the limitations of a student. A college president is also human and he cannot achieve everything by the flick of a magic wand. Let bygones be bygones. Now, we are looking forward to this year’s elections,” said a student.