JNUSU students observe strike at Jawaharlal Nehru University; demands better infrastructure, scholarship hike

NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union today organised a strike demanding hike in the merit-cum-means scholarship (MCM), expediting investigation of sexual harassment complaints, stopping commercial movie shoots in the campus and halting “intervention of grievances redressal cell (GRC) in elections. The students’ union also asked the JNU authorities to fulfil the charter of demands presented by JNUSU.

The JNUSU said it received support from the student community. “Various JNU departments such as the School of Arts and Aesthetics, School of Language, Literature, and Culture Studies, School of Physical Sciences, and School of International Studies, joined the call and observed the strike,” a JNUSU press release read.

The students’ representatives demanded increasing MCM to Rs. 5,000, timely fellowship disbursal, smoother claim processes, reinstating deprivation points, and ensuring justice in harassment cases. They also asked the JNU administration for ensuring JNUSU representation in all committees responsible for addressing students' concerns.

The JNUSU said the students’ representative had a meeting with the university proctor and rector yesterday. “However, after rounds of talks with the administration, no concrete promising gesture was assured by the JNU administration. Subsequently, JNUSU proceeded with the already declared strike. Accelerating the process of gender justice within our institution,” the press release read.

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Demands related to JNU admission 2024

The students have demanded to prioritise Jawaharlal Nehru Entrance Exam and reduce viva weightage in the admission process. Other demands included improvement in library infrastructure, accessibility to wheelchairs and smooth hostel allotments, better water availability, restarting bus services and increasing e-rickshaws.

“Several departments of JNU have specific demands ranging from infrastructural improvements to faculty recruitment and student welfare. Overall, these demands aim to enhance campus life, accessibility, and academic opportunities for all students,” the press release read.