The ongoing protest demanding holding of student union elections in Jamia Millia Islamia has ended for the time being. During the talks between the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and the students, consensus was reached on many important issues, after which the protesters decided to call off the hunger strike. Three written demands were submitted to the administration on behalf of the students. These included issues like the deadline for drafting the constitution of the student union, rules for conducting elections and withdrawal of disciplinary action taken against the students involved in the movement.
University Registrar Professor Mahtab Alam Rizvi said that the administration has agreed to these demands. After this development, steps have been taken towards normalizing academic activities on the campus. Now the eyes of the students will be on the prescribed procedure related to the elections and the next work to be done by the administration.
Preparation to prepare draft of student union constitution by May
According to the university administration, the first demand of the students was related to the drafting of the constitution of the student union. The deadline of May 15, 2027 has been accepted to finalize this proposal. The administration has assured that the work of finalizing the draft will be completed by the scheduled date.
The second major demand of the students was related to the rules for conducting elections. The students had insisted on adopting the election process as per the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee. The administration has said that it will also accept this demand. These recommendations include a provision to hold student union elections within six weeks of the beginning of the new academic session. This consent is being considered an important step towards the elections.
Action taken against students involved in protest withdrawn
The third demand of the protesting students was regarding those students against whom the university had taken disciplinary steps during the movement. These included actions like expulsion, suspension and show cause notices. According to the Registrar, the administration has agreed to withdraw the disciplinary actions falling under this category. This decision is expected to provide relief to those students who were facing action during the agitation.
The administration has also appealed to the students to maintain cooperation in the interest of the institute. On behalf of the university, it was said that all parties should together pay attention to the educational environment and progress of the institution.
Regular studies will return to the campus from November 2
According to the order issued by the Registrar's Office of the University, classes for undergraduate and postgraduate courses will be conducted offline from November 2. Students will have to attend the campus and study as per the timetable of the respective departments and faculties.
Mid-semester, end-semester and other scheduled examinations will also be conducted offline. Students will be required to have regular attendance and follow the academic rules of the university.
Instructions to departments to keep arrangements ready
The university administration has asked deans, heads of departments and center directors to ensure necessary arrangements for conducting classes and examinations. This includes preparations related to availability of classes, seating arrangements and monitoring.
This order has been issued after the approval of the Vice Chancellor. With the hunger strike ending, the process of resuming academic activities in the university is now beginning. However, further progress on the entire process of student union elections and its implementation will remain important.