JNU VC is doing statue politics like PM Modi: JNUSU

As Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is set to construct a statue of Swami Vivekananda at the administrative block inside the campus, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has alleged that the JNU Vice-Chancellor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar is doing the kind of politics Prime Minister Narendra Modi does.

JNUSU has cried foul alleging that the varsity is bearing the cost by heavily slashing the library fund and the means-cum-merit scholarship of the students.

"M Jagadesh is following the politics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the statue of unity was constructed by investing Rs 3000 crore, the money that could have been used in making many IIT's, NIT and JNU's is wasted. Similarly, VC has done massive fund cut in JNU in the name of building a statue," JNUSU president N. Sai Balaji told ANI.

"The 8 crore library fund was slashed by up to 80 per cent with only 1.7 crores left for the library. Since the last eight months, the means-cum-merit scholarship meant for poor students have not been disbursed," he added.

Furthermore, JNUSU vice president Sarika Chaudhary claimed that issues being raised by students are being ignored by the vice chancellor to "please his political masters."

"We're told that the university doesn't even have the funds to pay minimum wages to the mess workers. Our issues are being ignored by the VC to please his political masters," she alleged.

According to official sources, statue of Swami Vivekananda would be established at the administrative building, possibly opposite to the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru. It is likely to be taller than Nehru's statue, the source added.

JNU Registrar Pramod Kumar said that the cost of the statue is fully funded by JNU alumni, thus refuting reports of the structure being built by diverting funds.

"The Executive Council of JNU in its 268th meeting on June 30, 2017, has unanimously approved of and expressed its appreciation for installation of the (Swami Vivekananda) statue at a prominent spot in JNU," read a press note from the Registrar.