JNU Vice-Chancellor appeals for end to student hunger strike
JNU students have been on a hunger strike for over two weeks, protesting the university's move to stop automatically extending hostel stays for research scholars who get academic extensions.
Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit has asked students to end the protest and come back to the table, saying not all demands can be met right away.
Policy change and its implications
The disagreement started after a policy required Ph.D. scholars to declare submission dates, with hostel extensions only given if rooms are available or in special cases.
JNUSU says this ignores how unpredictable Ph.D. timelines can be and puts extra pressure on those with limited funds—especially since some research scholars only get an ₹8,000 stipend.
Students worry this could force many from weaker backgrounds to drop out if they lose their accommodation.