JNU to follow DU example, add extra seats for children of staff

Jawaharlal Nehru University plans to create a quota for children of low-pay grade staffers. The university has constituted a committee to work out the details, according to JNU Vice Chancellor Sudhir Kumar Sopory.

The proposal to grant admission benefits to university staff first sprang up in an academic council meeting. Sopory said the council agreed upon extending benefits only to Group C and Group D employees.

“Unlike our teaching staff, they’re not able to send their children to plush schools of Delhi, they’ve financial constraints. They also face difficulties in getting college education for their children. JNU believes in social inclusivity and we have thought of creating a quota for them – but that will be very small,” the VC said.

He said the JNU will reserve no more than four or five seats every year under the proposed admission quota. Admission to such students will be granted on supernumerary basis – meaning, extra seats will be added to the current sanctioned strength.

“Nothing has been finalised as yet. The committee is working out the details. After which, it will be tabled before the academic council and executive council for approval,” he  said.
If the proposal is approved, JNU will join the league of DU colleges, which have “ward quota” for children of both teaching and non-teaching staff.

However, a good show in entrance exam will be mandatory for children of staffers.
“They will have to go through the exam. And only if they fair well and stay above the minimum eligibility marks, will they be granted admission under the said quota,” he said.

Meanwhile, the university is also mulling over the idea of having combined entrance tests for admission into undergraduate courses in foreign languages.

But it is not sure whether these proposals will be implemented from next year.