JNU clarifies hostel allotment policy amid protests by North East Students’ Forum

Days after the North East Students’ Forum (NESF) staged a silent protest during the inauguration of Barak Hostel, demanding that 75 percent of the seats be reserved for students from the eight northeastern states, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has issued a clarification. The university stated that no hostel accommodations are reserved based on region or culture. However, priority is being given to northeastern students in line with official directives.

According to a PTI report, the university explained that the hostel allotment process began on April 8 in a phased manner, with “priority given to northeastern students in Barak Hostel.” Despite this, JNU emphasized that the existing accommodation policy will continue to apply to all hostels, including Barak Hostel.

In a circular, the university clarified, “This is brought to the kind notice and information of all concerned stakeholders… The Barak Hostel was officially opened for JNU students on April 7,” referencing the Inter-University (INU) agreement and the government-funded Barak Hostel project.

The circular also stated, “Currently, all northeastern students are residing in JNU hostels. No hostel is reserved based on a specific region or culture at JNU.”

Reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, JNU emphasized that it is a “Central university that promotes and maintains social integrity, multiculturalism, inclusivity, and diversity on campus.” Citing an office memorandum from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) dated October 10, 2023, the university reiterated that it was directed to prioritize northeastern students in the hostel allotment process, and stated, “The same allotment matrix will be followed for Barak Hostel.” The hostel manual also stresses fostering mutual cooperation and goodwill by allowing students from different parts of the country to live together.

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NESF, however, alleged that only five out of the 88 seats in the first allotment were given to northeastern students, despite earlier assurances made during the hostel’s construction. The forum claimed the hostel was meant to be a culturally sensitive and secure space for students from the region.

While the university reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing northeastern students as per official instructions, some JNU students opposed any formal reservation policy, arguing that it could undermine the inclusive ethos of the campus. In response, NESF clarified that it was not seeking full reservation, but rather the fulfillment of assurances made in official communications.

Barak Hostel, a five-storey building with 228 rooms and a capacity for 446 students, was funded by the North Eastern Council and the Ministry of DoNER. Although the hostel was inaugurated in February 2024 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, it became functional in April.

(With inputs from PTI)

MT