Education news
Jamia Millia Islamia Protest Day 17: Union Minister Condemns Campus Vandalism
· Source: Amar Ujala
The student protest demanding the restoration of students' union elections at Jamia Millia Islamia entered its 17th day on Wednesday. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that hooliganism will not be tolerated and noted that a seven-member committee has been formed to examine student grievances.
Union Minister's Statement on Campus Incidents
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned the alleged vandalism on the Jamia Millia Islamia campus, stating that the government will not tolerate hooliganism or disruptive behavior, including by people wearing masks. He stated that students' union elections have not been held at the university since 2006, when a serious incident of violence led to the halting of the election process. He mentioned that action was taken against individuals involved in anti-university activities, though allegations were also made that innocent persons were targeted. A police complaint has already been lodged, and the minister appealed to the Delhi Police to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Formation of Seven-Member Committee
Taking students' demands into consideration, a seven-member committee consisting of senior deans and professors has been constituted. This committee will look into the grievances and concerns raised by the students.
Allegations of Property Damage
The university administration shared photographs of broken windows on Wednesday. The administration alleged that some students forcibly entered sections of the campus and damaged university property, including surveillance cameras. However, officials did not provide clear information regarding the actions being taken concerning the alleged damage.
Demands of the Protesting Students
Protesting students are demanding that the university administration announce a fixed date for the students' union elections and set a clear timeline for the approval of the students' union constitution. The university had issued an order on Monday stating that elections would be conducted within 15 days of the constitution's approval. The order also included provisions to withdraw suspension and show-cause notices issued to students during the protests and to form a committee to examine the conduct of security staff. However, the agitation is continuing because students state that no definite timeframe has been given for approving the constitution.
Questions
Why are students protesting at Jamia Millia Islamia?
Students are protesting to demand the restoration of students' union elections, a fixed election date, and a specific timeline for approving the union's constitution.
Since when have students' union elections not been held at the university?
Students' union elections have not been held at Jamia Millia Islamia since 2006 following an incident of serious violence.
What action has been taken to address the students' demands?
A seven-member committee comprising senior deans and professors has been formed to examine the grievances and issues raised by the students.
What did the university's Monday order state regarding elections?
The university ordered that elections would be held within 15 days of the approval of the students' union constitution, along with the withdrawal of suspension and show-cause notices issued to protesting students.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
Not sure what this news means for your exams or admission? Talk it through with a Disha Stars counsellor.
Book a free session