'Strict action against those trying to change character of

The Centre will take stringent action against those trying to change the basic character of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said in Rajya Sabha.

The mandate of the JNU is research. The JNU's basic character which existed earlier will continue to remain, he said during the Question Hour in the Upper House.

"Those who change the character of the university, we will take stringent action against them. The government will not shy away from that," Nishank said.

He was responding to a query whether the government will sack the current vice chancellor in connection with recent protest in the campus over the issue of fee hike.

On removal of deprivation points in JNU, the Minister said, "I totally refute what member has said."