Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is no stranger to controversy, but the recent surge in legal battles and hefty fines has the campus community divided. With over Rs 30 lakh collected in fines since 2016, the university's disciplinary approach has evolved from suspensions and police cases to a system of financial penalties.
The Fine Print:
Under the leadership of former Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar, JNU's disciplinary actions were characterized by suspensions, expulsions, and police involvement. However, since Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit took over, the focus has shifted to monetary fines, with a significant impact on students.
A Growing Trend:
During Kumar's tenure (2016-2022), JNU collected Rs 22 lakh in fines, with a peak of over Rs 9 lakh in 2018. Interestingly, this trend has continued under Pandit's leadership, with annual fines ranging from Rs 3-5 lakh. In just half of her term, the university has already collected over Rs 14 lakh, surpassing the total amount from Kumar's entire tenure.
Impact on Students:
The fines can be staggering for students. For instance, the maximum fine of Rs 20,000 is a substantial amount compared to the annual fee of Rs 500 for an arts degree. These fines are imposed for various offenses, including defacing property, unauthorized entry, violence, and disruptive protests.
A New Disciplinary Framework:
The Chief Proctor's Office Manual, approved in 2023, has become a bone of contention. It outlines strict rules and penalties for student behavior, including fines, suspension, and even expulsion for demonstrations near administrative buildings, unauthorized gatherings, and protests near officials' residences.
Controversy and Disagreement:
The manual has sparked criticism from both student unions and political groups. Nitish Kumar, the outgoing JNUSU president, called it "draconian" and demanded its repeal, accusing the administration of using it for extortion. Even the ABVP, a student organization, has opposed the manual, labeling it as "dictatorial" and "anti-student."
The Way Forward:
As the university grapples with this issue, the question remains: Is the new disciplinary framework a necessary measure to maintain order, or does it stifle the spirit of free expression and dissent that JNU has long been known for? The debate continues, leaving students, faculty, and the administration to navigate this complex and controversial terrain.
