PhD scholars at Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) have begun an indefinite sit-in at the Kashmere Gate campus to protest against a mandatory attendance policy introduced on July 31. The students demand a complete rollback of the circular, which they say imposes forced surveillance and ignores the university's ongoing infrastructure crisis.
- PhD scholars and students started an indefinite sit-in at AUD's Kashmere Gate campus.
- The protest opposes a July 31 circular mandating attendance and whereabouts registration.
- The All India Students' Association (AISA) has joined the protest in solidarity.
- Students demand rollback of all related circulars, removal of iron gates, and reinstatement of PhD fee waivers.
- They also seek student representation in university decision-making bodies.
Why are AUD PhD scholars protesting the mandatory attendance circular?
The protest began after the university issued a circular on July 31 requiring PhD scholars to maintain mandatory attendance and register their whereabouts. The students argue that this policy amounts to "forced surveillance" and is unreasonable given the university's severe infrastructure problems. They believe the attendance requirement disrupts their research work and academic freedom.
What actions have the students taken so far?
The PhD scholars and the AUD Student Council Karampura (AUDSC KP), along with the Joint Action Committee of PhD scholars, have been protesting for over two months. On September 22, hundreds of students participated in a "Chalo KG" march to the Kashmere Gate campus. Following this, the university registrar met with the protesters and issued a notification on September 24 to keep the attendance registry in "abeyance" until infrastructure issues are resolved. However, students rejected this partial measure and started an indefinite sit-in demanding a full rollback of all July 31 circulars.
What are the main demands of the protesters?
The students have presented a joint charter of demands that includes:
- Complete rollback of all circulars issued on July 31 regarding attendance and whereabouts.
- Ending the "garrisoning" of campus spaces, including the removal of iron gates.
- Reinstatement of the PhD fee waiver.
- Ensuring student representation at all levels of university decision-making, including the board of management and infrastructure grievance committees.
How has the university administration responded?
After the initial protests, the registrar issued a notification suspending the attendance registry temporarily. However, the students consider this response insufficient as it does not address the full scope of their demands. They continue to call for a complete rollback of the circulars and improvements in campus infrastructure and governance.
Who is supporting the PhD scholars in their protest?
The All India Students' Association (AISA) has joined the indefinite sit-in in solidarity with the PhD scholars. AISA has expressed its commitment to continue supporting the struggle until all demands are met.
What is the current situation at AUD regarding infrastructure and student rights?
According to Mrinalini, a member of the AUD Student Council Karampura, the campus is facing serious challenges including deteriorating infrastructure, faculty shortages, and violations of student rights. She criticized the university administration for showing apathy towards these issues, despite the university being named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a champion of social justice and equality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the attendance policy that sparked the protest?
A: The policy requires PhD scholars to maintain mandatory attendance and register their whereabouts on campus, as stated in a circular issued on July 31.
Q: Why do students want the attendance circular rolled back?
A: Students argue that the policy enforces forced surveillance, disrupts their research, and ignores the university's infrastructure problems.
Q: Has the university made any concessions?
A: The registrar suspended the attendance registry temporarily but did not fully withdraw the circulars, which students find inadequate.
Q: Who is supporting the PhD scholars' protest?
A: The All India Students' Association (AISA) has joined the protest and supports the demands of the PhD scholars.
