||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder SinghMay 18, 2024||

JAMMU : The lush lawns of Jammu University’s central library were transformed into a battleground of ideas and demands as students assembled in a day-long peaceful protest on 13th of May 2024, raising their voices for what they deem essential amenities.

The student body, united and resolute, articulated four primary demands: 24-hour access to the library, free WiFi on campus, increased hostel capacity, and transportation facilities between Jammu University and the old campus.

The peaceful demonstration, however, took a contentious turn when university authorities, led by Dean Students Welfare Prof. Parkash C. Anthal, resorted to coercive tactics. Despite threats and the presence of armoured police, the students maintained their stance, underscoring the urgency and legitimacy of their demands.

**A Just Cause: The Students’ Demands**

Ishtiaq Ahmad, name changed, a law student at Jammu University, meticulously outlined the students’ grievances. He emphasized the dire need for 24-hour library access, especially critical for law students grappling with intensive study schedules and exam preparations. The absence of a 24/7 library, once available before the pandemic, has significantly hampered academic progress.

The call for free WiFi resonated deeply, as students highlighted the necessity of reliable internet for research and access to contemporary legal resources. The current infrastructure fails to meet these needs, leaving students disadvantaged.

Transportation woes also took center stage. The lack of adequate shuttle services between campuses forces students to waste precious hours commuting, time that could be better spent on academic pursuits.

Lastly, the inadequate hostel capacity has pushed many students into costly and less secure off-campus accommodations. Ahmad stressed that this situation is not only inconvenient but also unsafe, calling for immediate expansion of on-campus housing facilities.

**Administrative Apathy and Coercion**

According to reliable sources:

In response to the protest, university officials convened an emergency meeting on 13th of May wherein Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai allegedly orchestrated efforts to undermine the students’ movement. Show cause notices were issued to several protesters, threatening suspension or rustication, which coerced the students to call off the protests.

Students were put into a sense of fear psychosis that if they protest they will perish.

This heavy-handed approach has only exacerbated the discontent among the students. The use of armoured police to intimidate peaceful protesters is a stark indication of the administration’s high-handedness and unwillingness to engage constructively with student concerns.

**Comparative Insight: Falling Behind Other Universities**

A SWOT analysis of Jammu University reveals a glaring disparity when compared to other institutions. While many universities boast round-the-clock library access, free campus-wide WiFi, and robust transportation systems, Jammu University lags significantly behind. The lack of these basic facilities is a severe drawback for an institution that claims to provide a world-class education.

In an RTI response, university officials cited budget constraints as the reason for not offering 24/7 library access. However, this excuse falls flat when juxtaposed with other universities managing similar budgets yet providing superior amenities. The deplorable state of existing facilities, such as the non-functional air-conditioners in hostel reading rooms and the lack of proper housekeeping, further illustrates the administration’s neglect.

**A Call to Action**

The students’ demands are not just justified but imperative for the academic and personal well-being of the university community. The administration’s coercive response only highlights a deeper issue of governance and accountability within Jammu University.

As the university’s rankings continue to plummet, it is crucial for the authorities to listen to their students and address their genuine needs. The current trajectory not only hampers the students’ academic growth but also tarnishes the institution’s reputation.

It is time for Jammu University to move beyond its coercive tactics and engage in meaningful dialogue with its students. The administration must prioritize essential amenities like 24-hour library access, free WiFi, adequate transportation, and expanded hostel capacity. Only then can Jammu University hope to reclaim its standing and truly support the academic aspirations of its students.

The students have spoken. Will the administration listen?

This comprehensive account of the protest and the ensuing administrative response should compel readers and university authorities alike to reflect deeply on the necessity of meeting these legitimate student demands.