The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) concluded their 17-day hunger strike, which began on August 11, after the university administration conceded to several of their major demands.
JNU agrees to reinstate entrance exam
The JNUSU’s Charter of Demands included reinstating the JNU Entrance Exam (JNUEE), which the union has been advocating for. In response, the administration has verbally assured that admissions for the next academic session will be conducted through JNUEE, although no official confirmation has been provided.
The administration has also agreed to increase Merit-cum-Means (MCM) scholarships and extend them to students of the School of Education and Management Studies once additional funds are secured.
Other commitments from the administration include presenting the Nafey Committee report, which suggests reducing the weightage of viva marks in admissions, at the upcoming Academic Council meeting. Additionally, the university has agreed to open the Parthasarathy Rocks Gate from 6 am to 10 pm daily, although the union is advocating for a 24×7 opening.
The administration also promised to hold regular Student Faculty Committee (SFC) elections and to drop investigations against students involved in prior protests. The PhD fellowship continuation form submission deadline has been extended from monthly to every three months.
Health of protestors deteriorates
The JNUSU has ended a hunger strike involving 16 students, with only two participants, JNUSU President Dhananjay and Councillor Nitish Kumar, due to deteriorating health concerns. Dhananjay lost over five kilograms, developed jaundice, and experienced a urinary tract infection, while Kumar lost around seven kilograms and suffered from severe joint and muscle pain.
The union acknowledged the worsening health of the protesters and stated that the struggle for their demands continues with renewed determination. JNUSU General Secretary Priyanshi Arya distanced herself from the protest, accusing the Left-affiliated members of bypassing her consent regarding mobilization. Despite these concessions, the JNUSU remains critical of the administration’s stance on various issues and maintains that the fight for their demands is ongoing, albeit in a different form.
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