A Glimpse Into The Backbone of Ashoka: The Operations Department

The operations department is the backbone of any organisation and so is it for Ashoka University, ensuring that every touchpoint within the campus is seamlessly managed and maintained. From transportation to food, and water services, from security to safety to sustainability, the operations team plays a crucial role in creating a conducive and efficient environment for learning and working. Vinod Chauhan (Senior Manager- Administration) is the force which keeps the operation team knit together through back-office support to all. Our department encompasses a broad spectrum of services, each integral to the smooth functioning of the university. These services include:

Security: One of the primary forces that focus on not only providing a safe working environment in the campus but also at remote locations like Jahangirpuri metro station.

Transportation: Ensuring safe and reliable shuttle services.
Dining and Cafeteria Outlets: Providing nutritious and varied meal options to keep students and staff energised throughout the day.
Electricity and HVAC: Managing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to provide a comfortable indoor environment.
Maintenance: Keeping the university’s infrastructure in top shape, from plumbing to electrical systems.
Housekeeping: Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene across the campus.
Horticulture: Maintaining and beautifying the campus grounds with well-kept gardens, green spaces, and tree plantations.
Sustainability, Health, and Safety: Promoting eco-friendly practices, occupational health, and environmental safety.
Space Management: Maintaining neat and well-equipped spaces such as classrooms and offices.

Ensuring Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Delivering these extensive services requires meticulous planning and execution. The operations team is committed to providing the best services in a cost-effective manner. This involves ensuring every resource, whether manpower, machinery, or tools, is utilised to its fullest potential. It also includes delivering high-quality services without compromising on cost efficiency and avoiding over-deployment or underutilisation of resources.

Lastly, the department uses advanced technology and scientific developments to maintain operational efficiency and control costs as the university expands.

Commitment to Sustainability
Ashoka University is committed to sustainability and the operations department plays a pivotal role in this mission. The university has been using GHG protocols to measure and control its carbon footprint for the past four years. Key sustainability initiatives include:

Carbon Footprint Measurement: Using GHG protocols to define boundaries, measure emissions, and set offsetting goals. Last year, the university achieved an ECD of 2.24 tonnes per Ashokan, the lowest being 2.09.

Tree Planting and Sequestration: With 1,664 trees planted on campus, the university is taking regular sequestration readings to monitor carbon offset.

Solar Energy: Generating nearly 0.9 megawatts of solar electricity from a total sanctioned load of 3 megawatts.

Reduced Outages and Fossil Fuel Use: A new power line from the Badhakhalsa power station has significantly reduced power outages, thus lowering the use of fossil fuels (HSD) and carbon emissions.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management
The operations department has taken a lot of initiatives in terms of occupational health and safety. This includes conducting risk assessments for all campus operations, including working at heights, confined spaces, and electrical works.

The department also takes note of all kinds of work that is going on that have inherent risks and take necessary steps to mitigate the risks. High-risk activities like working at heights are prohibited after 5:30 PM. Besides this, six firemen are deployed in three shifts to handle any fire-related emergencies.

Building a Strong Community
The operations department is not just about maintaining infrastructure and services; it’s also about fostering a sense of community.

The welfare of the outsourced staff is a priority, with initiatives that include ensuring all staff benefits from ESI for medical support and PF for financial security. The department also provides regular health check-ups for the staff’s children along with required financial support and education assistance.