JNU Administration and Students Union Move Towards Resolution

The stalemate between JNU administration and its students' union, which has led to a 15-day hunger strike, may soon end. The administration has agreed to meet several student demands, but the protest continues as the union seeks written confirmation. President Dhananjay and councillor Nitish Kumar remain on hunger strike despite health deteriorations.

The ongoing stalemate between the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration and its students' union, which has been staging a hunger strike for 15 days, may soon be resolved as the two sides have reached a consensus on several demands.

The university has agreed to fulfill at least six of the 12 major demands from the protesting students. However, the administration noted that JNU does not have an officially recognized student body. This step, they emphasized, reflects the institution's commitment to democratic values. "We engaged in dialogue with the protestors as students of the university, focusing on their welfare," a university representative said. The demands met include reopening the PSR gate, notifying Centres to hold SFC elections, and urging the UGC and Ministry of Education to increase funding for student scholarships.

Despite the agreements, the union continues its protest with President Dhananjay and Councillor Nitish Kumar remaining on hunger strike, which entered its 16th day on Monday. They demand written confirmation of agreed-upon demands. The protest began on August 11, with both leaders suffering severe health issues—Dhananjay losing over 5 kg and developing jaundice, and Nitish losing 7 kg with severe muscle pain.

In a negotiation meeting last week, Rector-I Brijesh Kumar Pandey assured students that the university would accept favorable demands within its authority. The university faces a funding crunch and will request additional allocation from the UGC. The administration also agreed to present the Nafey Committee report, which recommends reducing the weightage of viva marks in admissions, at the upcoming Academic Council meeting for approval.

(With inputs from agencies.)