JNU students meet new V-C, speak of issues in the varsity

In the first interaction with the new Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Dr M Jagadesh Kumar, who took over the reins on January 27, many students spoke of the academic issues concerning them.

Though there were variety of issues which were discussed, many students primarily  raised the issue of  not getting the fellowship amount even when they were eligible for it under Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

Nabanita, a PHD student in the Centre for Social Sciences said: “For six months I have been in touch with the JNU  administration asking them to provide me my fellowship amount of Rs 25,000 but each time I have been ticked off saying there are no funds. I have also tried getting in touch with UGC but the effort has not yielded any  result.”

Nabanita  also added that like her there are 30 to  40 other students who are demanding for the release of their fellowship amount.

Nabanita said that after meeting the V-C she has been assured that the amount has been released and she would be getting it very soon.

Sanjiv, a differently-abled student, also complained of less fellowship amount being received by him. Sanjiv said: “I am enrolled under Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for disabilities, yet I am being made to run because I am not getting the full amount. I have to soon start the pilot study.”   

Many of the JNU students were at the forefront of the movement Occupy UGC when the fellowship amount for Non-Net students pursuing PHD and MPhil were scrapped demanding not only in the restoration of it but also enhancing the amount. Besides the issue of non-receival of fellowship amount, students also raised the issue of procedural delays of getting hostels.

Mritunjay, a student of Centre for Life Sciences said that his course duration was of three years and it took him 1.5 years to get an accommodation in the hostel. Mritunajay also said that as the centres science streams have less students, their issues are not taken seriously by the administration.