JNU facing 'structural problems': Teachers' group

The Teachers' Association of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has alleged that the varsity is facing "structural problems" which are coming in the way of making it a better institution and submitted a charter of demands to the Vice-Chancellor.
The charter of demands submitted by the JNUTA to the VC S K Sopory lists four main demands, including issues of promotion and pension.
The teachers' group has threatened to launch a series of protest if their demands are not met by October 21.
Claiming that the academic environment of JNU is deteriorating rapidly, JNUTA President Arun Kumar said, "The matters we are raising in our charter of demands relate to the academic environment of JNU which is deteriorating rapidly."

"This reflects a lack of perspective on these important matters. Many important decisions are being inordinately delayed with consequent harassment to the faculty," he said.
"For everything, the faculty members have to go to the administration which causes undue delay and takes up a lot of time. Faculty gets diverted from its essential task into bureaucratic hassles," Kumar said.

JNUTA has demanded that the VC write to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to allow the varsity to have its own modified form of recruitment and promotions.
They have also asked for the setting up of an 'Administrative Reforms Committee' demanding decentralisation of decision making to reduce paperwork and delay and implementation of simplified financial rules.

"Our next General Body Meeting (GBM) will be held on October 22. If our demands are not met, we will launch a series of protest against the administration," Kumar said.
The JNUTA has planned to wear black bands as a mark of protest and organise 'dharnas' if important decisions, which are being inordinately delayed, are not taken, he said.