Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), one of India’s premier educational institutions, is facing a serious financial crisis. To overcome this challenge, the university administration has planned to monetize its two major assets. This move is being seen as a way to generate revenue and create a stable income source to support the university’s operations. The student organization is opposing this decision of JNU. They say that if this happens, then the guests will be accommodated in hotels and who will pay the bill for it?
The university is considering redeveloping or leasing these properties to private entities. One of these properties is the guest house located at Mandi House, which is one of the prime locations of the capital. According to JNU sources, this guest house is not being used for any special work of the university for a long time. Despite this, the salaries of the employees engaged in the maintenance of this guest house are still being paid from the university budget, increasing the financial burden.
Student organization protested against JNU’s decision
The Left-ruled JNUSU and other student organisations have been criticising the JNU administration’s plans. Speaking to Aaj Tak, JNUSU president Dhananjay said, “It is a worrying situation for the campus, they are selling its properties. Is she the vice-chancellor or a property dealer?” He added, “Her job is to make the situation better, but she is making it worse.”
ABVP to protest outside JNUSU Education Ministry
The JNUSU president also raised the question that foreign guests stay in these guest houses, where will they stay now? If they stay in hotels, who will pay their bills? JNUSU is also planning to protest outside the Ministry of Education on this issue. ABVP is also questioning the Vice Chancellor in this matter. JNU ABVP secretary Shikha Sawar said, “If there is a shortage of money, then why did they spend money on repairing the Vice Chancellor’s house?” She further said, “If they have to sell something, then they should first sell the Vice Chancellor’s house”.
The ABVP leader also said that the Vice Chancellor gives such statements only to remain in the media headlines. When Aaj Tak tried to know the side of the JNU administration, they said that they will soon respond to this.
(With inputs from South Delhi sting operator Amardeep)