For the last some years JNU has been in “bad news” for one or the other reason. This has become a more explicit trend with the formation of Modi government in the centre since 2014. One can understand the feeling of criticism with ruling establishment on certain ‘valid grounds’ but the ideological opposition of the JNU administration on unfounded ground is certainly non-admissible. Interestingly, criticism is a valid “political right” in a democratic country but being conclusive in your words against specific policy actions by the administration is an act of propagation of falsehood and intellectual dishonesty.
In recent days, one key issue moving in the environment of JNU campus relates to violence against ABVP activists in post election celebration by the combined left forces. Despite being one of the most premier academic institutions in the country, JNU is also known for its democratic values, gender justice, social equality and freedom of expression. But in recent days the ‘perpetuated violence’ in the campus in the name of electoral victory that is won through an opportunistic alliance and failed promises to student community is certainly condemnable. JNUSU elections are still a role model for other universities where money or muscle power plays no role and a culture of debate and discussion thrives.
For the past few years, the sense of nationalism is at various levels in terms of academic engagements and administrative behaviour. And for this the credit goes to the JNU administration, which remains at the suffering of leftist forces in JNU. However, if we look back to many ‘positive steps’ taken by JNU administration, the things look rather different and impressive.
On the issue of roster implementing proper ‘Roster and reservation’ policy, this administration has acted promptly to allow filing of backlog vacancies for the first time in JNU. On the subject of hostel allocation during the admission process in early July, the online system has allowed that students get Hostel at the time of admission. Also in order to bring more ease within the campus fraternity in last years JNU administration have made things to be more familiar for teaching fraternity and students. In order to built and recognise true national leaders of this country our Central Library has been renamed as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar library and celebration of their birth anniversary and Nirvana Divas.
For the recruitment issue and promotion many teachers from marginalised community are given the duly promotion and have been assigned on senior administrative positions under this administration. This shows a greater concern for ‘practise of social justice’ in the functioning of JNU administration.
One can conclude by saying that in the last many years under the new Vice Chancellor of JNU, the present administration has tried to build greater coherence in terms of functioning and policy guidelines to the interests of student community, ensuring campus discipline and also standing for administrative accountability largely. This shift in the JNU leads to bringing about ‘good governance model’ at different levels of administrative and academic engagement in JNU.
*Dr Pravesh Kumar
(The writer is Assistant Professor at Centre for Comparative Politics & Political Theory,