The joint action committee (JAC) of students of Pondicherry University has called off the boycott of classes after authorities agreed to consider a set of demands during talks held on Tuesday.
The JAC, comprising 16 representatives from the SFI, ASA, MSF, SIO, APSF, NSUI, AISF and the Students’ Council, said it would constantly engage with the authorities on implementation of the demands. If the demands were not fulfilled, the next stage of protests would be decided by the JAC, a press statement said. The JAC opposed disciplinary action against the agitating students.
An official press note from the university said that after detailed deliberations, it had been decided to “consider placing all demands of the students before the Vice–Chancellor and relevant bodies of the university for necessary action”.
Hostel accommodation
According to the JAC, on the fee increase issue, the university administration had sought a proposal from the JAC forwarded through the Student’s Council which would be discussed by the Executive Council and the Academic Council in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor.
The JAC also wanted higher allocation of accommodation for Dalit students in the university hostel. As Dalit students in Pondicherry were systematically excluded from the University hostel facilities, the Registrar has called for a meeting with the JAC regarding this issue on Friday.
On the external evaluation system and the simplification of re-evaluation procedure, the administration had sought a representation from student bodies to the Controller of Examination stating the complexities and constraints.
The other demand pertained to ensuring 25% reservation for local students. According to the JAC, the university would forward a letter to the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
