Due to severe financial constraints, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has unexpectedly discontinued its MA Hindi Translation course. The move has shocked both students and faculty members, as the course, offered under the School of Language, Literature, and Culture Studies (SLLCS), had been popular among students aiming to specialise in translation work.
According to sources within the university, the decision to scrap the course comes in the wake of ongoing budgetary challenges, which have left the institution struggling to maintain specific academic programs. While the JNU administration has released no official statement, insiders suggest that the financial crunch left them with no choice but to drop the course for the current academic year.
This development has sparked concern and discontent among the student body and faculty. The MA Hindi Translation program, considered an essential offering by many, attracted many students interested in honing their language and translation skills, particularly in a bilingual nation like India, where proficiency in multiple languages is highly valued across industries.
The sudden discontinuation of the course is expected to have a ripple effect on students who plan to enroll in the program and faculty members who are directly involved in teaching it. Several students looking forward to pursuing careers in translation are now left uncertain about their future academic and professional plans. The faculty associated with the program are also left in limbo, with concerns over potential reassignments or job cuts.
According to edexLive reports, many within the university community, including student organisations and faculty associations, plan to raise their voices against the move. JNU has long been considered a hub for language studies, and the decision to drop a specialised course such as MA Hindi Translation is seen as a blow to the institution’s standing in this field. Critics argue that the financial crisis should not come at the cost of academic excellence, particularly in areas where JNU has built its reputation.
The news has raised broader concerns about the future of language and translation studies at JNU, with many questioning whether other programs may also be at risk. As students and faculty gear up for potential protests, the university administration faces mounting pressure to address the funding crisis without compromising the academic integrity of its courses.