JNU’s most recent rules dictate that students can be fined a maximum of Rs 20,000 for holding dharnas and can also lose their admission or be fined up to Rs 30,000 for getting violent on campus.
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On a 10-page document called “Rules of Discipline and Proper Conduct of JNU Students,” punitive measures for things like protesting and forgery are spelled out, as are the steps for a prosecutorial inquiry and making a statement.
The document states that the regulations became effective on February 3rd. It was a response to the numerous demonstrations that had taken place at the university in response to the screening of a BBC documentary.
A Green flag from the Executive Council
In the document detailing the regulations, it is stated that it has received approval from the Executive Council, which is the most powerful decision-making authority at the university.
PTI was informed by representatives of the Executive Council that the topic was discussed during the meeting as an additional item on the agenda and that it was noted that this file had been prepared for “court concerns.”
Vikas Patel, the JNU Secretary for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, referred to the latest guidelines as “authoritarian” and said that the old behavioural standard was good enough. He asked for this “harsh” set of rules to be changed.
PTI sent text messages and phone calls to JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree D. Pandit, but she did not answer.
The regulations will be applicable to all pupils at the college, including those who are only there part-time. This is true whether they were admitted prior to or following the rules that went into effect.
There are consequences for 17 “offences,” such as blocking, wagering, taking over a hostel room without permission, using insulting and derogatory remarks, and forgery. The guidelines also say that the family will get a copy of the grievances.
The Grievance Redressal Committee at the university, junior college, and centre level can be asked to look into cases that involve both educators and pupils. The chief proctor’s office is in charge of instances of sexual assault, eve-teasing, harassment, and making the community frustrated.
Rajnish Mishra, the head of the jury, told PTI, “In the law, regulations have been written down. But the new rules were made after an investigation by the court.” He didn’t say when this proctorial investigation began, and when questioned if old rules had been changed, she said yes.
It has introduced disciplinary actions for all violent behaviours and coercion, including gheraos, sit-ins, or any other action that deeply affects educational and managerial functions and/or any action that instigates or results in aggression.
Serious repercussions await students
The consequences involve “discontinuation of admission or withdrawal of college education or disapproval of registration for a specific period of time, rustication for a maximum of four semesters and/or making any part or the whole JNU campus off-limits, dismissal, a fine of up to Rs 30,000 under the old rules, and one or two semesters of withdrawal from the dorm.”
The regulations specify that if the issue is in court, the chief proctor’s office would then respond according to the judge’s order and direction.
A fine of up to Rs 20,000 would be given for hunger strikes, dharnas, gang bargaining, as well as any other type of outcry that involves obstructing the gateway or exit of any of the academic and/or managerial facilities or making it hard for anyone to move around the University.
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