Jamia Forms 7-Member Panel to End Student Hunger Strike
Jamia Millia Islamia sets up a 7-member high-level committee to resolve student protests and hunger strikes on campus.
In a bid to restore peace and address escalating tensions on campus, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has established a high-level seven-member committee to engage with protesting students. The move comes after a series of demonstrations and a hunger strike, with students demanding immediate action on various grievances.
High-Level Meeting Leads to Decision
The decision to form the panel was finalized during a senior-level meeting held on October 18. The gathering included key university figures such as Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif, Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, and Controller of Examinations Prof. Ahteshamul Haque. Other attendees included the Chief Proctor, hostel provosts, and the deans of Academic Affairs and Students’ Welfare.
The university stated that the primary objective of this committee is to facilitate a dialogue with the students, carefully examine their demands, and recommend the necessary steps to bring normalcy back to the academic environment.
Who is on the Committee?
According to an official order issued by the Registrar, the panel consists of seven senior academics and university officials:
- Prof. Iqtidar Mohd. Khan: Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Languages
- Prof. Luqman Ahmad Khan: Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences
- Prof. Zubair Meenai: Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences
- Prof. Neelofar Afzal: Dean of Students’ Welfare
- Prof. Tanuja: Dean of Academic Affairs
- Prof. Mini S. Thomas: Department of Electrical Engineering
- Prof. Simi Malhotra: Department of English
The Dean of Students’ Welfare is tasked with convening the meetings and submitting the final report to the Vice-Chancellor as quickly as possible.
The Standoff Over Student Union Elections
A significant point of contention remains the long-standing issue of student union elections. While the administration has expressed a commitment to finding an amicable resolution, it highlighted why these elections were halted in the first place. JMI noted that union elections were discontinued in 2006 due to frequent violent clashes, attacks on faculty members, and severe disruptions to classes.
The university also referenced a 2022 Delhi High Court proceeding, noting that the matter was disposed of without any directive forcing the institution to resume union elections.
Alternative Representation
To counter the demand for a centralized union, the administration pointed out that a system of subject association elections is already in place. Under this framework, students in various departments and centres elect three office-bearers—a general secretary, vice-president, and joint secretary—via secret ballots.
Call for Peace and Cooperation
In a press release, the university administration emphasized that they are committed to resolving the current crisis through "constructive dialogue and deliberation" based on mutual trust. They have urged the protesting students and other stakeholders to cooperate in maintaining harmony.
"The present administration calls upon all stakeholders and students to work towards safeguarding the name, reputation, and high national and international ranking of the 106-year-old university," the administration stated.
The university maintains that collaboration is essential to ensure the campus remains a conducive environment for all students, staff, and faculty members.