Students of the Centre for West Asian Studies (CWAS) and the Sociology department at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) are boycotting online classes until normal campus activities resume. They are protesting the university administration's decision to extend online classes and demand fixed dates for student union elections, which have not been held since 2006.
- Students demand a timeline for approving the student union constitution.
- Online classes extended until November 24, with exams held virtually.
- Protesters seek reopening of campus and assurance against disciplinary action.
- Students emphasize the importance of physical access to resources and campus life.
- They call for meaningful dialogue with the administration and clear deadlines.
Why Are JMI Students Boycotting Online Classes?
The students reject the university's order to continue online classes and have declared a complete boycott. They argue that online education cannot replace the value of in-person learning, which includes direct faculty engagement, peer discussions, and access to physical resources like libraries and archives. The ongoing extension of online classes without a definite timeline or consultation is unacceptable to them.
What Are the Students’ Main Demands?
The protesting students have outlined several demands:
- Immediate reopening of the campus and resumption of regular physical classes.
- A clear timeline for the full or phased resumption of academic activities, including labs and library services.
- Meaningful dialogue between the university administration and students.
- A firm deadline for finalizing and approving the student union's constitution.
- Guarantees that no academic or disciplinary penalties will be imposed on students participating in the boycott.
How Has the University Responded?
In response to the protests, JMI extended online classes until November 24 and announced that practical and viva exams for the odd semester will be conducted virtually. This decision was made after students refused to end their protest and insisted on clear dates for student elections. However, the students feel this extension ignores their core concerns and negatively affects their academic progress and well-being.
Why Do Students Insist on Physical Campus Access?
Students and scholars at CWAS require access to the central library, physical archives, specialized journals, and primary reference materials that online platforms cannot provide. Many students pay for housing and living expenses in Delhi expecting an active campus environment. They deliberately chose on-campus programs to benefit from in-person learning experiences, which online classes fail to deliver.
What Is the Impact of the Boycott?
The boycott continues despite pressures related to attendance requirements and academic uncertainty. Students emphasize that individual attendance under pressure does not mean collective acceptance of the university's decisions. They urge the administration to address their grievances, stop restricting campus access, and set clear deadlines for the student union constitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When were the last student union elections held at JMI?
A: The student union elections at Jamia Millia Islamia have not been held since 2006.
Q: What is the university’s current plan for classes and exams?
A: JMI has extended online classes until November 24 and will conduct practical and viva exams for the odd semester online.
Q: What assurances are students seeking from the administration?
A: Students want guarantees that no disciplinary or academic penalties will be imposed on those participating in the boycott.
