New Delhi, April 10 (MExN): The North East Students’ Forum (NESF) of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi has alleged systemic marginalisation of students from the region at the premier central university, amid a row over hostel reservation at the institute’s newly constructed Barak Hostel.
According to NESF, hostel reservation for students from NE region has been denied despite earlier assurances as well as a reported agreement between the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the JNU administration regarding such reservation.
In a press release, NESF stated that it had also organised a silent protest during the inauguration ceremony of the hostel on April 7 over the issue.
However, during the protest, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of JNU, Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, reportedly made it clear that there would be no hostel reservation for any specific community by stating that “We (JNU) cannot reserve any hostel… otherwise we refuse to take the hostel… and make it into an administrative block… JNU follows the Constitution of India… no separation of any identity in this campus.”
The NESF countered the VC’s remarks, reminding her that “reservation is a constitutional provision provided as a form of affirmative action to support disadvantaged communities.”
“The clauses for reservations are an integral part of the Indian Constitution and are the foundation on which the ethos of educational institutions have been built,” it added.
It further claimed that following the inauguration, JNU’s Dean of Students (DoS) had given a verbal assurance that the first allotment list for the hostel would not be released before a meeting with concerned students from the NE region.
However, in a move termed as a “betrayal” by the Forum, the DoS released the first allotment list for female PhD students on April 8.
‘This unprecedented move of the JNU administration is extremely disrespectful to all JNU students of the NE and is a gross testament to the ways in which students from the region have yet again been marginalised and ignored by the system,’ it asserted.
This comes after JNU student bodies, including the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU), allegedly sidelined NE students in their demand for the opening of Barak Hostel, despite being aware of the NEC-JNU agreement on seat reservation, the Forum claimed.
“This erasure of racial and regional minorities is a scathing reminder of how the JNUSU and the larger student community do not wish to recognise NESF as a legitimate student body,” it added.
In view of these developments, NESF demanded a rollback of the first allotment list for Barak Hostel published on April 8, and urged the JNU administration to limit the first round of allocations to only one-fifth of the total seats.
It also called upon the JNU VC and DoS to address its demand of ensuring 75% reservation for NE students as per the MoU signed and called for release of the MoU and all relevant documents signed between JNU and the NEC & DoNER to ensure transparency and fairness.
The Forum also pointed that Barak Hostel was envisioned as a safe space for NE students, which could be supported by providing regional cuisine through hiring cooks from the region or those familiar with it.
Access to familiar food can serve as a preliminary stepping stone to help students adapt more smoothly to the challenges of alienation and cultural shock, and foster a greater sense of belonging and inclusivity, it added.
The NESF also urged the JNU administration to allow NE students in other hostels to apply for transfer to Barak Hostel and demanded hostel allotment for all students from the first list, irrespective of rank or marks in the entrance examination.
It also demanded an official written assurance on the matter, stating that it “no longer has faith in the DoS and its verbal assurances.”
While acknowledging the needs of other students awaiting hostel accommodation, NESF stressed that Barak Hostel was conceptualised and funded with the specific purpose of addressing the challenges faced by NE students, particularly in the context of racial discrimination and lack of safe spaces.
“We, the students of NESF, demand our right to a safe space as promised, and to be provided to us by our University!” it asserted.
What Does Your Face Say About Your Health?
Meet R.N. Ravi, who is mediating peace with the Nagas
The last Konyak headhunters of Nagaland
The Top Viral YouTube Videos of 2017
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked (required)