JNU Ensures Priority Admissions to North East Students in Barak Hostel, No Regional Bias in Hostel Residentials
New Delhi, April 13 – Amidst growing demands for reserved seating in the newly inaugurated Barak Hostel at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the university has clarified that no hostel is reserved based on region or culture, except in accordance with official directives. According to JNU, priority has been given to students from the Northeast in the hostel allotment process, as stated in a circular issued on April 8.
The university emphasized its commitment to maintaining diversity and inclusivity, reaffirming its stance as a central institution that promotes social integrity, multiculturalism, and diversity on campus. Citing an office memorandum from the Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry, dated October 10, 2023, JNU noted it was directed to provide priority to Northeast students. The university stressed that this directive would be followed for Barak Hostel allotments, aligning with the hostel manual’s emphasis on enabling students from various parts of the country to coexist and build mutual cooperation and goodwill.
The clarification comes in response to the North East Students’ Forum (NESF) staging a silent protest during the hostel’s inauguration, demanding 75 percent of seats be reserved for students from the eight northeastern states. Despite assurances made during the hostel’s construction, only five out of 88 seats were allocated to northeastern students in the first allotment list, prompting the NESF to demand the fulfillment of official commitments. The forum argues that such a lounge is essential for students from the region’s cultural sensitivity and security.
In a separate appeal, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering has urged DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia to intervene and facilitate a dialogue with JNU administration to ensure a transparent and fair hostel allotment process. Ering, a former union minister, expressed concern that the university has failed to honor the original intent behind Barak Hostel, which was established with support from the North Eastern Council. The MLA urged Scindia to address the grievances and prevent future discrepancies affecting marginalized student communities.
JNU’s hostel allotment process began on April 8, and the university has clarified that present policy will continue to be followed for all accommodations, including Barak Hostel. An estimated 228 rooms and 446 capacity, Barak Hostel was funded by the North Eastern Council and the DoNER Ministry, inaugurated in February 2024 by Home Minister Amit Shah. Finally, students from the Northeast residing in all JNU hostels, emphasizing its commitment to preserving social integrity and inclusivity.
In conclusion, JNU’s clarification on hostel allotment has sparked a debate, with the NESF and MLA Ering calling for fair and transparent processes that prioritize representation and safety for Northeast students. While some JNU students oppose formal reservation policies, the NESF maintains it is not seeking full reservation but fulfillment of official communications. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how JNU will implement its promised transparency and fairness in the hostel allotment process.
Original Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2025/04/14/jnu-says-no-hostel-reserved-based-on-region-assures-priority-to-ne-students-in-barak-hostel/
Category : State News
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Publish Date: 2025-04-14 01:57:00
