JNU VC Backs CUET, Urges Students to End Hunger Strike, Reiterates Openness to Dialogue

JNUSU has however, remains defiant. In a recent statement, it accused administration of ignoring students’ demands and continuing what it described as “centralised and undemocratic decision-making” through the imposition of CUET and NET in place of JNUEE.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has broken her silence on the ongoing student protests, stating that there is no support from any school or centre within the university for the reinstatement of the JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE) for PhD admissions.

In a statement the VC said she is bound by the decision of the university’s deans, who have favoured CUET and UGC-NET as the route for doctoral admissions.

Protests Enter Second Week

The VC’s remarks come amid an indefinite hunger strike by the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU), which began on June 26. Students are demanding the restoration of JNUEE, automatic hostel extensions for research scholars, an increase in the Merit-cum-Means (MCM) scholarship amount, and the withdrawal of proctorial inquiries and disciplinary actions.

Despite the strike entering its 15th day, the administration has remained firm, with the VC reiterating that her role is to follow the decisions made by academic councils and faculty bodies.

VC Appeals for Dialogue

The Vice-Chancellor posted a message on the university’s official social media. She said the administration is always ready to talk with students. She is worried about some students on hunger strike because their health is getting worse.
But she also said that university rules cannot be changed by one side alone. Any changes must follow proper process. She promised that the administration is open to discussion and will listen to student concerns through fair and official ways.

Students Unmoved

In a recent statement, it accused the administration of ignoring students’ demands and continuing what it described as “centralised and undemocratic decision-making” through the imposition of CUET and NET in place of JNUEE. Student leaders also questioned the decision to host the Vice-President amid the ongoing protest.

While some hunger strikers have had to step down due to health complications, including weight loss and chest pain, a few continue to fast, and the Union has vowed to intensify the agitation if demands are not addressed.

Key Demands of Protesters:

Reintroduction of JNUEE for PhD admissions

Automatic hostel extension for MPhil/PhD students with academic extensions

Increase in MCM scholarship to ₹5,000

Withdrawal of proctorial inquiries and disciplinary actions

The JNU administration has sought a report on the scuffle during the Vice-President’s visit and maintained that protests should not disrupt academic and official events. Meanwhile, the students have stated that they will continue their protest until the administration commits to their charter of demands.