JNUSU Ex-Prez Calls ‘Partial’ Hostel Fee Hike Rollback Misleading

The JNUSU ex-president pointed out that the reduction is for a portion of the room rent.

Protests at JNU over the hike in hostel fees. Image used for representation.

(Photo: PTI)

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Wednesday, 13 November decided to partially rollback the hike in hostel fees following a 16-day agitation, but the changes were termed ‘cosmetic’ and ‘misleading’ by students and members of teachers association.

One such voice was N Sai Balaji, former president of the university’s student union, JNUSU, who pointed out that the ‘rollback’ doesn’t affect about 95 percent of the hike.

On his Twitter page Balaji gave a five-point rebuttal of the announcement, where he says that the issue still remains and the announcement is misleading.

"In order to save their face and create a false narrative, JNU admin in collusion with Modi government is fooling students and people of this country!" Balaji said.

Why Not a Complete Rollback?

Only Reduced a Portion of Room Rent

The JNUSU ex-president further said that the reduction is for a portion of the room rent. He said a major portion of the fee hike remains.

“The JNU admin has only reduced a portion of room rent there by making a reduction of Rs 1,200-Rs 2,400! But in reality the major portion of fee hike remains.”

N Sai Balaji, Ex-President, JNUSU

'95 Percent of Hike Remains'

Balaji also said that the portion of service charge and the policy of students paying for salaries of mess workers, hostel staff, hostel maintenance and other charges, estimately Rs 1,700 remains, which means 95 percent of the hike remains, even after the announcement.

New Policies Stay

Pointing out that the curfew timings – 11pm restriction, closing down the 24-hour library reading rooms, dress code and dangerous punishments like rustication, withdrawal of degree and others will also stay.

Further, Balaji said that this announcement from JNU and the HRD ministry, is a propaganda to divert attention.

He also pointed out that such hike is dictated under privatisation of Public funded universities according to the National Education Policy.

“More importantly the principle of 10% fee hike every year REMAINS! What about Students from SC, ST, OBC, Minorities and General category? The roll back has to complete and FOR ALL!”

N Sai Balaji, Ex-President, JNUSU