Javadekar says nobody approached for talks, JNUSU cites proofs

Human Resource Development minister Prakash Javadekar in his statement said that nobody approached the ministry to discuss on UGC Gazette Notification, while JNU students refuse the allegation and put forward their proofs seeking appointment with the HRD ministry and requesting them to intervene on the UGC Gazette.

The JNU Students' Union on February 2, had submitted memorandums to the Ministry on the issue as well as conducted a protest outside the Ministry.

"The Students' Union had written several times to the HRD and UGC seeking appointment regarding the UGC Notification. Only one reply came from the MHRD asking for my contact details and a clear copy of the memorandum," said Mohit K Pandey, JNUSU President.

"After the misguiding statement where Javadekar says he is open to meeting JNU protesters, I have again written to him," he added.

Students claim that despite several tweets and continuous efforts, no reply was received from the HRD minister.

Meanwhile, the indefinite hunger strike of the JNUSU against the circular continues as the voices of the students regarding the UGC Gazette are still left unheard.

Notably, the regular attempts of the JNUSU to meet HRD officials and talk to them regarding the strict rules went in vain as no response was received.

The rules include the eligibility of research supervision which clearly states that a drastic reduction in the available number of M Phil and PhD seats will take place causing gross violation to the 93rd Constitutional Amendment which mandated expansion of seats for implementing OBC reservation in 2008.

Students have alleged that the administration had misinformed the recipients by changing the minutes of the meeting held by the Standing Committee and that they had falsified the facts.

No mention of the fact that not only students but teachers along with the deans of several schools opposed the seat cut during the committee meeting has been made by the administration.

The JNUSU has called for a referendum on Tuesday in the University to expose the real agenda and in the wake of the JNU administration's unilateral imposition of the UGC circular dated May 5, 2016.