JNU: JNUTA Disappointed with HRD Minister; Students Protest Against Seat Cut
The HRD Minister that it was against the norms to of the UGC that some of the teachers at JNU are guiding close to 20-25 students. JNUTA added that Javadekar’s comments that the professors were inappropriate.
Responding to the comment made by the HRD Minister in the Rajya Sabha regarding the number of scholars working under faculties at JNU, Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) said that they were disappointed.
The HRD Minister said that it was against the norms of the UGC that some of the teachers at JNU are guiding close to 20-25 students. JNUTA added that Javadekar’s comments about the professors were inappropriate.
JNUTA further added that the claim is unfitting as JNU – similar to other universities – provides the provision to its students to deregister from the university. The teachers association said that even if in some cases the number of students is larger, the accusing that the university has been careless regarding guiding and educating students is unfortunate.
Also Read:Students Registered for Ph.D., M.Phill more than the number allowed by UGC Norms: Prakash Javadekar
JNUTA further added that the figures – 8, 6, and 4 set as the maximum number of students that can be guided by an Assistant, Associate, and a full-time Professor respectively – have been implemented from July 2016.
Stating that cutting the M.Phill and Ph.D. seats has been a shock to the university, JNUTA said that this should not be a solution as it will undermine the policies of reservation due to which the seats were increased.
The prospectus of JNU was released on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, according to which the seats for M.Phill and Ph.D. programmes have been reduced. The policy was also challenged at the Delhi High Court that was later dismissed.
Also Read:JNU Students Strike Against Massive Seat Cut in M.Phil & Ph.D. Programmes
Following the decisions, students of JNU have extended their protests. The students will strike against the decision for two more days outside the UGC office.