The issue of “freeloaders” at JNU: V-C

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit says the university is tightening its nets against “freeloaders,” which include both overstaying students and undocumented visitors.

According to Pandit, she has given the hostel management explicit orders not to let any student remain there for more than five years. When asked about claims that JNU has allowed freeloaders to remain on campus at the expense of tax payer money, Pandit said, “You are 100% correct—we have a problem with freeloaders.”

The 61-year-old, who graduated from the institution herself, said that while the problem existed even when she was a student, it has since become worse.

“There were a lot of students that remained over while I was there, but they were few in number. Even though the Lok Sabha cafeteria is more expensive than the JNU canteen, some students at JNU generate false impressions about it. However, professors were stern in those days.

“I was informed by the professor overseeing my study that I would be dismissed after four and a half years if I didn’t finish it. I was aware that he wouldn’t approve my fellowship renewal. This has, in my opinion, evolved throughout time. According to Pandit, the number of extensions has increased because certain teachers allowed them.

Pandit obtained her master’s degree from Presidency College in Chennai and then went on to do her MPhil and PhD at JNU from 1985 to 1990.

“There are other individuals on campus who are uninvited visitors; they do not even attend JNU but yet come and remain. She questioned, “Where in southwest Delhi can you find such an accommodation with greenery, stretched over 2,000 acres and with such dhabas and affordable food? They are either studying for the UPSC or other examinations, and JNU is the cheapest location to stay for them.

Pandit said, “Now we are trying to bring this down to a large extent… it is very difficult for us to get into the rooms… we still do it while sticking to the norms,” about the actions her administration is doing to address the problem. We also make an effort to appeal to the kids’ common sense by asking them to at least let us know if they are bringing a visitor.

Additionally, we’ve instructed the hostel management to prevent any student from staying longer than five years. ID cards are now required; students are instructed to carry them at all times and provide them upon request. Since some pupils don’t appreciate these outsiders, we are also urging the students to report,” she said.