JNU makes 75% attendance compulsory; students stage protests
Implementing its December 1 decision, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Wednesday made 75% attendance mandatory for all students. Teachers have been asked to take signatures of students to mark their attendance and submit them daily to the university's central office. In response, JNU's student union has predictably decided to do what it does best - stage protests. Read on for more.
Only those with 75% attendance can take end-semester exams
The university circular states: "For all part-time programmes, BA, MA, MSc, MTech, MPH, PG diplomas, and MPhil, and PhD course/work, minimum 75% attendance is mandatory for appearing in end-semester examination." A sample attendance sheet is also being circulated. Teachers will have to fill it for each lecture/practical/lab work and submit daily to administration. A students' attendance notice will be put up at each month-end.
MPhil, PhD students given 30 days for field-work, training programmes
MPhil and PhD students can avail 30 days of leave in a year to pursue academic work outside of the university, but with the approval of their supervisors and centre's chairperson. This will, however, be considered a part of their programme tenure. At least two contact sessions with the supervisor have been made compulsory for every MPhil, PhD student.
60% attendance minimum for students absent over medical reasons
Students absent on health grounds can sit for exams with a minimum of 60% attendance. However, they will have to get their medical documents certified and verified by JNU health centre's chief medical officer, reported Hindustan Times.
'A regressive Tughlaqi farmaan'
When the move was first announced on December 22, students and teachers called it draconian, questioning its relevance. Saying it was a "regressive Tughlaqi farmaan," they found ridiculous to make MPhil/PhD scholars worry about attendance amid research. Professors termed it irrelevant too, saying JNU didn't have a problem of absenteeism. They attacked the V-C for "destroying JNU's inclusive and democratic character."
