In its 54-year legacy, JNU proudly asserts that ‘no posts have been dereserved.’
UGC’s recent draft guidelines on implementing the reservation policy in higher education institutions (HEIs) that proposed the de-reservation of vacancies have got widespread attention, sparking fervent reactions from academia, the public, and the nation. It clearly is not in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and mission of the implementation of Bharat Ratna Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s ideas of social, political and economic equity, equality with diversity and inclusion. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has supported the continuation of reservations as long as discrimination exists and until the time all forms of equality is achieved for all. Existing regulations clearly state “a ban on dereservation of reserved vacancies for SC, ST, and OBC in direct recruitment,” according to the Ministry of Education (MoE).
In exceptional circumstances, de-reservation of reserved vacancies can occur if the university can provide sufficient justification. In this context, de-reservation involves opening up faculty positions originally designated for specific categories (SC, ST, OBC, EWS candidates) to applicants from the open category if those positions remain unfilled despite concerted efforts to fill them. This contentious “draft” has become a focal point of discussion, raising valid concerns about the insensitivity and regressive societal perspectives.
A REGRESSIVE DRAFT
Essentially, the draft highlighted the UGC overstepping its mandate and overreaching into the legislative domain, a prerogative of Indian Parliament. Worse, it reflected a regressive view of certain individuals, which is unacceptable and condemnable.
Thus, the proposed process lacks essential checks and balances, endowing the universities with personal prerogatives without consultations with Constitutional bodies, i.e., the National Commissions for SCs, STs, OBCs, and other relevant stakeholders, as regulations currently require.
While the draft has been withdrawn, it showcased the persistence of stereotypical thinking despite 75 years of the Indian Republic. More inadvertently, it begs attention to the stark dissonance on the reservation issue between rhetoric and action, with the former being fashionable and the latter a rare occurrence. As such, a pressing question arises: can we genuinely align words with deeds regarding reservation? The resounding answer is yes. It is not only possible but has been effectively demonstrated by the PM’s vision and mission at JNU marching towards Viksit Bharat in 2047—the reality of a developed, equitable, and inclusive Bharat.
THE JNU EXPERIENCE
JNU is a rare exemplar in higher education, translating rhetoric into action. Whether addressing concerns of caste, gender, or other marginalized groups, JNU has emerged as a mainstay of empowerment and upliftment. Our campus proudly leads in creating an inclusive environment, drawing students and faculty from every corner of India. It provides a unique setting, unrivalled even by institutions with massive financial endowments. It epitomizes the diverse tapestry of Bharat, where individuals are evaluated not based on caste, creed, colour, religion, or appearance but on their character.
Under the current administration, there exists a steadfast commitment to the belief that Ambedkar’s seminal work, “Annihilation of Caste,” is not merely a social and political treatise but a fundamental objective that our society must ardently pursue. The present ethos of JNU serves as a living testament to Ambedkar’s vision of eradicating casteism. We have thrown open the windows to allow fresh air to enter.
In its 54-year legacy, JNU proudly asserts that “no posts have been dereserved.” Today, faculty recruitment in the reserved category is at its highest point in the university’s history. A meticulous breakdown of recruitment interviews conducted by the current administration over 19 months reveals our commitment to diversity. Individuals from reserved categories constituted an impressive 69%, a commitment reflected in the subsequent recruitment pool. Which is why we can say that we have fought the stereotypes and done all this publicly and transparently, evidence for which is available on both social media platforms and the official JNU website. (Source: https://x.com/JNU_official_50/status/1706499491870957979?s=20)
Furthermore, JNU has taken noteworthy strides towards breaking gender barriers. A significant milestone is the appointment of the university’s first female Vice-Chancellor, a development that still surprises many. Adding to this milestone, the current administration at JNU stands out as the first to comprise 26% of women in key administrative roles, including chairpersons, deans, and crucial offices such as the Dean of Students and Chief Vigilance Officer. While these advancements may seem intuitive to the younger generation, they were neither arbitrary nor easily achieved. The journey involved considerable resistance and challenges, particularly when addressing entrenched patriarchal and casteist mindsets.
CHALLENGES REMAIN
The university’s initiatives underscore our continuous efforts to forge an inclusive and equitable academic environment, aligning with the imperative progress envisioned by Ambedkar. However, we acknowledge that we are not immune to faults or challenges. Acknowledging such historical lapses and recognizing our responsibility to rectify these errors, we reflect on our shortcomings.
Undoubtedly, the journey to tackle patriarchal and casteist mindsets has been met with resistance and challenges. Several centers at JNU lacked even a single faculty member from reserved categories, and attempts to address this imbalance faced fierce opposition. Lingering systemic problems perpetuated these stereotypical mindsets. The current administration is resolute in rectifying these historical errors.
DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE AMRIT KAAL
In conclusion, the JNU experience is a compelling illustration that the reservation policy can be implemented efficiently and scrupulously. Such efforts are integral in inspiring the next generation poised to enter the workforce during the transformative decades, referred to by Prime Minister Modi as Amrit Kaal and a Vikasit Bharat 2047, which is both diverse and inclusive. Our commitment to diversity, evident in our recruitment practices, highlights that fostering a diverse workforce sustains growth and enhances it, reinforcing the adage that diversity is our strength.
Driven not by a desire for superficial changes, accolades or brownie points, we have pursued a firm conviction that institutions and systems fostering casteist ideas must be dismantled, annihilated, and replaced with ideas of diversity and inclusivity. Respecting notions of free thinking and respect for rules, JNU operates within the framework of the Indian Constitution and government regulations. And we feel “proud” of “implementing the Constitutional guarantees under the Reservation policy as stipulated by MoE.” For us at JNU, diversity, and inclusivity are not mere catchphrases but core values that define our administration—a commitment to walk the talk.
Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is Vice Chancellor of JNU.