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

The JNUSU, however, remains defiant. 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.

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 unanimously 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

In her statement posted on the university’s official social media handle, the Vice-Chancellor added that the administration is always open to dialogue with students. She expressed concern over the deteriorating health of some hunger strikers but asserted that policy decisions cannot be altered unilaterally.

She assured that the administration is open to dialogue and willing to engage on student concerns through democratic and institutional processes.

Students Unmoved

The JNUSU, however, remains defiant. 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.