NEW DELHI: The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has written to vice-chancellors and directors of member universities across the country, urging them to counsel students to remain focused on their studies and not allow their energies to be diverted to protests. The letter, written on July 21, comes in the middle of a swelling students’ agitation in Delhi by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).AIU president professor Vinay Kumar Pathak wrote that while students’ concerns deserve to be heard with empathy and respect, “prolonged agitation exacts its heaviest price from the students themselves — in lost academic time, disrupted preparation and avoidable stress”. Professor Pathak wrote that this was “all the more unnecessary” as govt was committed to resolving all issues and had conducted the NEET retest.Late Tuesday night, Delhi University’s X handle also put out a similar missive, which was widely criticised by students and teachers who alleged partisan conduct by the university. DU wrote: “We see the pain and anxiety of our students. It is unfortunate that vested interests are exploiting their fears instead of easing them. The need of the hour is to calm the situation and reduce their distress, so that they can focus on what truly matters: their studies and their future.”The DU post tagged the education ministry’s Ye Desh Hai Mera campaign handle, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and AIU.Critics interpreted the post to be aimed at the Opposition that has extended support to the CJP protest. TOI reached out to DU vice-chancellor Yogesh Singh and registrar Vikas Gupta, but there was no response from them.Delhi Teachers’ Front (DTF) president Abha Dev said DU’s post reflected a behaviour pattern of the university. “This is not the first time Delhi University has acted as a govt mouthpiece or endorsed its ideology. A public university should engage with students’ concerns rather than issue statements that appear politically loaded. The students’ protest will continue with the same resolve,” she said.The Indian National Teachers’ Congress (INTEC) also condemned the statement. “Students and youth have a democratic right to protest against systemic failures and injustices meted out to them. They have every right to voice their fears and insecurities. Instead of questioning their intent, authorities must engage with them… and work towards a resolution,” Pankaj Garg, the chairman, said.Aam Aadmi Party’s teachers’ wing, AADTA, also criticised the university, alleging that an educational institution should remain politically neutral and focus on addressing students’ grievances.
