JNU students’ hunger strike over hostel evictions, admissions enters Day 11
The indefinite hunger strike at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), led by the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU), entered its 11th day on Monday, drawing widespread participation and growing concerns over the health of protesting students. The protest, launched against the university administration on June 26 alleged indifference to key student demands, has now witnessed 236 students joining a mass relay hunger strike in solidarity.
The core demands include revocation of hostel eviction notices for PhD scholars on academic extension, reinstatement the JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE) as the admission method, increasing the merit-cum-means (MCM) scholarship and rolling back of proctorial punishments imposed on student activists.
JNUSU president Nitish Kumar, along with councillor Antariksh and student activists Loni, Manikant and Sourya, has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past 11 days. They were joined five days ago by School of International Studies (SIS) councillor Sunil and School of Physical Sciences (SPS) councillor Abhishek. Last night, SSS councillor Rajat and SLL&CS student Shreyas also joined the strike.
“Academic extension for PhD is a provision of the UGC, accepted by JNU and incorporated in its ordinances. A student in the final leg of their PhD, who has obtained the extension by completing due procedure, is now being asked to vacate the hostel. Most do not have any scholarship with them. How does the JNU VC expect them to submit their PhD while managing expenses of staying outside?” asked Kumar.
“Academic extension has no meaning without hostel extension. Every PhD student must be allowed hostel accommodation till their submission.” He said.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor (VC) met JNUSU members once, but according to the union, failed to give a constructive response. Students allege that the administration is ignoring the severity of the situation.
“The JNU VC is not at all sympathetic to the deteriorating condition of the hunger strikers. All of them have lost weight, their sugar levels are critically low. However, the VC does not want to listen to logic and reason,” said Munteha, general secretary, JNUSU.
JNUSU is demanding the restoration of the JNUEE, arguing that the current system, conducted via the National Testing Agency (NTA), lacks fairness and accessibility. “NTA has failed to conduct exams in a free, fair and timely manner. We have examples of JMI, HCU and other universities conducting their own entrance exams. Why is the JNU VC not able to do the same?” questioned Manisha, vice president, JNUSU.
“JNUEE is crucial to maintain JNU’s academic integrity and ensure access for students from marginalised sections.”
Despite the growing support and urgency, the administration has yet to concede to any of the union’s demands. Meanwhile, the health conditions of those on indefinite hunger strike continue to worsen, raising alarm among peers and activists
Delhi