The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) may address water scarcity on campus by establishing water collection centers and check dams, according to a statement from the JNUSU released on Friday. Additionally, the university may conduct an accessibility audit of the campus to assess facilities for students with disabilities.

Members of the JNUSU met with Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit to discuss various issues, including the water crisis, proctorial inquiries against protesting students, accessibility challenges for students with disabilities, and workers’ welfare following a recent incident of a contractual worker’s suicide on campus.

Regarding the water scarcity issue, the JNUSU reported that the Vice-Chancellor urged the Rector to explore local solutions such as water collection centers and check dams within the campus. The students’ union demanded the withdrawal of proctorial inquiries against students involved in water protests last year.

The Vice-Chancellor mentioned that appeals to dismiss fines imposed on protesting students will be reviewed by an Appellate Working Committee. The JNUSU also raised concerns about two visually impaired students being injured by a parked auto on campus and demanded improvements in campus accessibility, including repairing tactile paths, installing ramps, and ensuring elevator functionality for students with disabilities.

Other demands included releasing data from the Accessibility Audit, meeting with PwD students to address their issues, and revising the age bar for mess workers’ employment, which the Dean of Students stated would be adjusted to comply with the law.

The students’ union also expressed concerns about discontinued fellowships, PhD admissions through NET, restrictions on campus protests, and other issues during the meeting, which was attended by JNU registrar Ravikesh, Rector 1 Satish Chandra Garkoti, Rector 2 Dipendra Nath Das, along with VC Pandit.

Source: PTI

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