JNU Students Union Hunger Strike: 5 Days of Demands and Discontent

The JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) hunger strike has entered its fifth day as of June 30, 2025, with students demanding the reinstatement of the JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE) for PhD admissions and a rollback of the university's decision to bar June 2025 UGC-NET aspirants.

The strike is being led by JNUSU President Nitish Kumar and other office bearers who insist the protest will continue until their demands are met. The students have requested an all-stakeholders meeting to discuss their demands, but conflicts have arisen over who should be invited. The administration wants to include the Joint Secretary of JNUSU and the JNU Teachers' Federation (JNUTF), which the students claim is linked to RSS, instead of solely involving the recognized teachers' body (JNUTA). The union believes these tactics are deliberate attempts to delay dialogue and weaken the student movement.

Key Demands of JNUSU:

• Reinstatement of the JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE)
• Rollback of CUET/NET-based admissions
• University-led conduct of JNUEE with logistical and financial support
• Filling of vacant seats and resolution of academic delays

The students feel the administration has ignored a referendum conducted three weeks earlier where most students favored returning to JNUEE. Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and university deans reportedly oppose conducting the in-house exam, citing financial constraints and other reasons.

The hunger strike is part of a prolonged standoff highlighting concerns over admission transparency, fairness, and alleged ideological biases affecting university policies. The health of the striking students is reportedly a growing concern as the protest continues.

In summary, the hunger strike continues with no resolution yet, as both JNUSU and university administration remain at an impasse over the reinstatement of the JNU Entrance Examination and related demands.

FAQs

• What is the reason behind the hunger strike?
  Students are demanding the reinstatement of the JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE) for PhD admissions and other related issues.
• How long has the hunger strike been ongoing?
  The hunger strike has entered its fifth day as of June 30, 2025.
• Who is leading the hunger strike?
  The hunger strike is led by the JNUSU President, Nitish Kumar, along with other office bearers.
• What are the key demands of the JNUSU?
  Demands include reinstatement of JNUEE, rollback of CUET/NET admissions, and support for conducting JNUEE.