NEW DELHI: Hundreds of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students who were protesting against the new hostel manual outside All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), dispersed late on Monday evening without any concrete results. The students clashed with the policemen brought in to control them Monday afternoon. Policemen in riot gear, completely outnumbered by the students, were seen jostling with the crowd that wanted to meet the vice-chancellor. The protesters toppled barricades and hurled shoes at the police, who earlier used batons and water cannons. The students, objecting plans for what they claim is a massive hike in hostel fees, stepped up their protest as the university held its convocation that was attended by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.
Naidu, who was present at the event, was whisked away by security personnel as things veered out of control. However, Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal was stuck inside the institute for about six hours. The minister was rescued around 4 pm. According to a few students, JNU Student Union (JNUSU) handed over a letter to the HRD minister, who received it. However, with VC not communicating with the students, no action plan has been decided as of now.
It has been alleged that the new hostel manual was approved without the student union's approval or presence. The JNUSU has claimed that the manual was approved within ten minutes at a closed room meeting.
"We want to have a dialogue with the VC regarding the hostel fee hike. We don't care about other ministers, they can leave, but the VC needs to have a dialogue with the students," Gaurav an agitated student told Millennium Post.
According to the new manual, the rent for single occupancy student rooms was hiked from Rs 10 to Rs 300, the rent for double student occupancy accommodation was hiked from Rs 20 to Rs 600. A one-time refundable mess security deposit increased from Rs 5,500 to Rs 12,000.
The protest against the manual has been going on for 18 days that also include issues like dress code and curfew timings. The demonstrations will continue on Tuesday as well. See P3