The annual budget of the Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) was presented on Monday, 23rd September, 2024. In an hour-long open meeting, the AUSG’s ministers discussed their planned expenditure for the upcoming academic year. The specifics of each line item were proposed, along with the percentage differences in each ministry’s allocation compared to last year. The treasury and AUSG both work on a weekly reimbursement basis (spending will be reimbursed after the submission of proof). Later, the AUSG answered questions from various students present.
The Edict spoke to Aditi Warrier (ASP ‘25), President, AUSG about the process of putting together the annual budget. She highlighted the importance of balancing each ministry’s vision within the set upper limit of the Annual Budget provided by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). They had a “constraint of 2.5 lakhs and [we] tried to give each minister exactly what they wanted.” In line with the trend over the last several years, the highest share of the budget was allotted to the Cultural Ministry (Jazbaa). Making use of a small proportion of its budget, the Cultural Ministry is committed to its new ‘Student Inclusivity and Accessibility’ department, aimed at making events as accessible and inclusive as possible for students.
While the budget allocation from the OSA to AUSG has been the same as last year, there have been some significant changes among each ministry’s budget. Last year, nearly 63% of the AUSG’s proposed budget remained unutilised at the end of the year. According to the AUSG, much of this money went into organising Seniors’ Week for graduating students.
Four out of the total seven ministries showcased an increase in their budget – while the Campus Life Ministry (CLM), the Ministry of Community Well Being (MCWB) and the Ministry of Academic Affairs (MAA) faced a decrease as compared to the last academic year. The MCWB and CLM are also the ministries proposing to introduce new initiatives (sharing circles and a bi-monthly newsletter respectively) whose costs are a substantial part of their budget (approximately 30%). This raises questions about how they plan to fund their new projects without additional financial resources. The Edict has reached out to the relevant ministers for comment and is awaiting a response.
The AUSG remained confident about their overall plans. According to Dhruv Gandhi (UG '25), Treasurer of the SG, the budget had been finalised “after three months of deliberation with the OSA, different ministries, [me] Samarth and Aditi.” So, they [the SG] are fairly certain with these numbers.”
The total budget allocated for marketing across ministries – which primarily includes printed posters and related materials amounts to INR 20,100. This is a stark figure, particularly amidst various sustainability initiatives on campus.
According to the Finance Control Policy, the SG is mandated to designate “some amount to a general reserve.” The AUSG Reserve has multiple purposes. Firstly, any member of the AUSG can utilise this after approval from the Treasurer and a majority in the HoR. Secondly, as per Section IX of the Policy, any student can submit a request for expenses that they believe “will improve student life.” If approved, this amount comes from the Reserve.
This year’s budget allocates INR 2,000 to the SG Reserve, a substantial 83.8% decrease from last year’s INR 12,390. It is important to consider the impact of this decrease on students’ funding appeals.
The Budget, which is to be passed by a two-thirds majority of the House, was voted in unanimity. Four House members, however, were not physically present for the open meeting—three attended online and one was absent.
(Data visualized by Srijana Siri, Cartoon illustrated by Anandi Gupta)
(Edited by Tejas Nageshwaran, Madhumitha GI, Fatema Tambawalla and Jyotsna Sidharth)
コメント