JNU student body’s hunger strike heads towards resolution

New Delhi, August 26

The ongoing hunger strike by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) is nearing a resolution after 15 days of protests. The university has agreed to address six out of the 12 major demands made by the students, including reinstating the JNU Entrance Exam (JNUEE) for admissions, conducting a campus-wide caste census, increasing scholarship amounts, and reducing the viva-voce weightage in the admission process.

The students’ union, led by president Dhananjay and councillor Nitish, remained on hunger strike, demanding written confirmation of these agreements before ending their protest. The health of the protesters on strike has worsened significantly. “Dhananjay has lost over 5 kg, developed jaundice and is suffering from a urinary tract infection. Nitish has lost about 7 kg and is dealing with severe joint and muscle pain,” the union stated.

In response to the escalating protest, JNUSU has intensified its efforts with a relay hunger strike and night vigils. During a negotiation meeting on August 23, which coincided with a march to the Ministry of Education, Rector-I Brijesh Kumar Pandey assured the students that the university would address several of their key demands.

The university has further agreed to increase the merit-cum-means scholarship from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 and extend this to students in the School of Engineering and the School of Management. Additionally, the administration has committed to reinstate the JNUEE, starting from the next academic session.

The university has also promised to conduct a caste census and publish category-wise data of JNU students, faculty and staff within the next 15 days. Furthermore, the Nafey Committee report, which recommends reducing the viva weightage to 10-15 per cent in admissions, will be presented at the upcoming academic council meeting.

The administration has agreed to drop inquiries against students involved in protests related to water issues and a sexual harassment case. However, no agreement has been reached on reopening the Barak Hostel, which has been closed since January. The demand for the JNUSU representation in academic council meetings will be addressed by V-C Santishree D Pandit on August 27.

Six of 12 demands to be addressed

The university has agreed to address six out of the 12 major demands made by the students, including reinstating the JNU Entrance Exam, conducting a campus-wide caste census, increasing scholarship amounts and reducing viva-voce weightage.