Expressing dissent over the compulsory attendance rule hundreds of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students gathered at the administration block on Thursday, and marked their attendance by writing “Haazir Janab” on a memorandum. This memorandum was then submitted at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The students were led by the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU).
The V-C had issued a circular on December 22 asking the students as well as research scholars of all the courses to fulfill the minimum attendance criterion. The move has come under sharp criticism from a section of students and teachers termed it “irrational” and against the university’s “tradition”.
A large number of students gathered to say “Haazir Janab” at the administrative block, where protests and agitation have been banned by the university. “The V-C did not turn up but sent a representative to collect the memorandum. Chief Proctor Kaushal Kumar, who came to meet the JNUSU representatives and students, kept on saying that the V-C is not in the office and he will receive the memorandum and signatures. However, we strongly resisted the Chief Proctor’s diversionary tactics and demanded an appointment with the V-C,” said JNUSU president Geeta Kumari.
“Due to our pressure, we were given an appointment with the V-C. JNUSU members are scheduled to meet him on Monday at 9 am,” she added.
While the university claimed that the decision to make attendance compulsory was taken during the Academic Council meeting held on December 1, 2017, the JNUSU said that no such issue was passed during the meeting.