Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU) students find it difficult to cope up with the online mode of study. Hence, JNU students demand a phased return to the varsity’s campus. Online learning is unviable for many students as they lack e-resources like smartphones and laptops. Internet access is also a major issue as it is expensive and also inaccessible in several areas.
What does the request letters of the JNU students say?
French and Francophone department students of JNU went to an extent of boycotting the virtual classes. A written statement by JNU students states, “All the students of BA requests the JNU administration to facilitate and assist the return of students.” Hence, they want all the continuing students of the varsity to return to the university and resume physical classes.
JNU’s postgraduate students of Centre for Informal Sector and Labour Studies (CISLS) also demand the reopening of the University and its hostels. Hence, measures should be adopted to safely take up students in sections. Centre for Informal Sector and Labour Studies (CISLS) says, “We need to head back to the hostels to continue studies and research work without any obstacles.” Hence, they demand access to their living and dining facilities with optimal safety. The letter from CISLS says that JNU should improve the present health center facilities and also establish quarantine zones within the campus area for student’s safety purposes.
AAROGYA SETU NOT MANDATORY FOR STUDENTS IN JNU ANYMORE
Shortcomings of Online classes:
It has been 8 months since the lockdown of the educational institutions which is a very long time. Therefore, students cannot afford to miss their classes further. The classroom discussions are vital for overall knowledge. However, these online classes lack such discussions, classroom activities, and college experiences. They are also unable to access academic resources like the college library books, laboratory equipment, etc.
JNU Students Union’s protest:
The students union at JNU is holding constant strikes since October 19 demanding the phased return of the students back to the campus. Hence, JNU’s administration has agreed to the phased return of the final-year Ph.D. research scholars from 2nd November. However, the project staff members who need laboratory access in the science school will also accompany the other students. Hence, this is considered as the Phase-1 of return.
JNU CAMPUS TO RE-OPEN IN PHASED MANNER
After a successful return of Phase-1 students, the return of the Phase-2 students will be scheduled. However, the Phase-2 students will only return after Diwali, i.e. from 16th November and onwards.
JNU administration has also made setups to open Covid-19 test centers. Hence, these centers will conduct coronavirus tests at regular intervals. All of this will ensure maximized safety.