JNU admin urges teachers to resume classes; appeal rejected

The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration on Monday urged teachers to resume classes in the interest of students, but the teachers' body rejected the appeal.

Twelve deans and seven chairpersons of special centres appealed to students and teachers to "refrain from any activity that would hinder the conducive atmosphere in the functioning of the university".

"It is evident that students are to participate in their academic pursuits without further disruptions in the normal functioning of the university," they said in the appeal.

The administration said the appeal was issued after two JNU Teachers' Association officer-bearers announced a "non cooperation" plan.

"The above call for 'non-cooperation' not only goes against the efforts of the administration for restoration of normalcy in the campus and resumption of academic activities but also reflects the intention of JNUTA to disrupt normal functioning of the university," it said.

The administration said the new semester has begun with registration of more than 5,000 students. "All faculty members are thus advised to resume their classes and other academic activities in the interests of the student community."
According to JNUTA office-bearers, "The JNUTA GBM resolution on the non-cooperation action plan implies that we refuse to comply with the two circulars issued on January 10, 2020, which asked teachers to be present in their offices for registration, to start classes and other relevant academic activities from January 13, 2020, and to upload time-tables for the same."