Students from numerous educational institutions in India took to the streets in 2023 to express their concerns, discontent, and demands. These protests represent a growing trend of involvement by students and emphasise the issues that the country’s young students deal with. There are several reasons for the dissatisfaction among students, such as social justice issues, academic various, and financial obstacles.
These student protests, ranging from cultural festival controversies to opposition towards national examinations and discontent with fellowship rises, show the variety of issues that students run into. A number of these demonstrations served as an effective case of how resilient the students were and provided them with a platform to discuss more significant concerns.
Let’s take a look at significant events that have sparked student protests in the academic landscape.
Hindu College Cultural Fest Controversy
Hindu College, Delhi, became a focal point for student agitation when the college administration’s decision to pull the plug on a cultural festival sparked protests among the student population. A standoff between the students and college officials resulted from the controversy surrounding the festival’s sudden cancellation, which sparked concerns about the independence of student-run programmes on campus.
Medical Students Protest at Hamirpur
Medical students protested the abrupt announcement of the National Exit Test (NEXT) at Dr Radhakrishnan Government Medical College Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. The anger within the medical fraternity was evident, as students expressed their concerns about the lack of appropriate time to prepare for the exam and the possible impact on their academic preparation. The protests at Hamirpur lasted a week, emphasising the urgency and fervour of the students’ resistance.
JRF- SRF Fellowship Stipend Hike 2023
Students throughout India expressed discontent with the 19 per cent increase in the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) stipends announced in June this year. The student protests brought to light the economic issues that research scholars experience, as well as the compelling need for a more substantial raise to safeguard their financial well-being. PhD students demanded that the fellowship stipend for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF), Senior Research Fellowships (SRF), and other three levels of research associates be boosted by at least 60 per cent.
Protests against alleged Harassment during IP College Fest
Students from IP College for Women (IPCW) in Delhi organised human chain marches to protest alleged incidents of campus harassment at a fest organised by the IP College for Women. Protests erupted outside of campus, with students calling for the resignation of IPCW’s principal. The demonstrations were sparked by an overwhelming call for accountability and the resignation of the college principal after claims of negligence in dealing with harassment issues were raised.
JNU’s Prohibition on Protests
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) restricted protests within 100 metres of academic buildings, a move that caused disagreement and strong resistance. This decision infuriated students, who perceived it as an infringement on their right to demonstrate. A student risks up to two months in hostel expulsion, a Rs 20,000 fine, and rustication if they are caught participating in a hunger strike, dharna, or any other sort of protest. Those seen obstructing the entry or exit of any of these facilities will face similar penalties. The change follows an incident at JNU in October in which an “anti-national” phrase was scrawled on the School of Languages building.
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