Extend deadlines, set up mental health helpline: JNUSU writes to Pokhriyal

The letter was signed by all four central panel members of the JNU Students' Union
Image for representational purpose only (Pic: PTI)
Image for representational purpose only (Pic: PTI)

The members of the JNUSU have written to the HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', seeking an extension of deadline for academic activities across universities and to postpone entrance examinations, until the end of the lockdown and to release emergency funds.  They also sought the UGC  to release emergency funds for setting up a helpline for mental health and counseling.

"To expect that any semblance of normalcy will be restored by stating that all academic engagements are to be completed as per the regular academic timetable in light of one of the most disruptive events that any of us would have faced collectively in our lifetimes would be misguided. Doing so would rather make already vulnerable sections of the society face increasing amounts of pressure when the need of the hour is collective social solidarity," reads the letter, signed by all the four central panel members of the students' union.

The union also asks the ministry to release funds to disburse the fellowship stipends to research scholars. "These fellowships not only aid students for their studies, but also grant them the ability to continue their education in the face of economic adversity, which has only exacerbated due to the pandemic. Therefore, it is requested that an alternative mode for the timely disbursal of fellowships be explored and adopted at the earliest," it reads. 

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
EdexLive
www.edexlive.com