Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is once again in the spotlight as Dhruv Katoch demands the revocation of hostel facilities for students caught raising objectionable slogans. The activist’s stern ultimatum highlights growing frustration with what he terms ‘repeated anti-national provocations’ on campus.
Speaking to reporters, Katoch painted a vivid picture of a university under siege by a minority of vocal agitators. He advocated for a zero-tolerance policy, insisting that hostel allotments—subsidized by taxpayer money—should not reward rule-breakers. ‘It’s time to draw the line. Genuine students deserve better than sharing space with slogan-mongers,’ he declared.
The controversy traces back to viral videos and eyewitness accounts of slogan-shouting during a recent gathering, reigniting memories of JNU’s turbulent history. Katoch’s intervention has polarized opinions: while right-wing groups rally behind him, left-leaning factions decry it as an assault on dissent.
Delving deeper, Katoch proposed a multi-pronged approach, including rigorous verification processes for hostel admissions and swift disciplinary actions. He warned that leniency has historically led to escalated protests, disrupting academic calendars and national discourse.
As the JNU administration reviews its policies, Katoch’s campaign gains traction amid national calls for university reforms. This standoff encapsulates broader tensions between tradition and transformation in India’s premier institutions, with implications far beyond one campus. Observers await the university’s response, hoping it strikes a balance between justice and inclusivity.