Students from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) demonstrated on August 23 against the administration's plan to redevelop university properties through a public-private partnership.
The march, aimed at the Ministry of Education, was halted by police at Gangnath Marg, leading the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) to accuse the government of trying to stifle their demands for better academic infrastructure.
The protest is part of an ongoing hunger strike that began on August 11 and has now entered its 13th day. Alongside the hunger strike, students staged a two-day strike on August 22 and 23, during which they boycotted classes. Their demands include reinstating the JNU entrance exam, reopening the Barak hostel, increasing Merit-cum-Means Scholarships, restoring the Gender Sensitisation Committee against Sexual Harassment, conducting a caste census, revoking the new Chief Proctor's Office manual, and improving facilities for students with disabilities.
Earlier this week, on August 21, JNU’s Vice-Chancellor met with student representatives, urging them to end their hunger strike. Despite this, the students remain firm in their stance, criticizing the administration’s response as inadequate and accusing it of ignoring their concerns. The situation at JNU continues to tense as students press for significant reforms and improvements in university policies and infrastructure.
