JNU protest to continue indefinitely over health centre demands

More than 250 students on the JNU campus have joined an indefinite sit-in organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), demanding improvements in the university’s health facilities and action over an alleged altercation at the JNU Health Centre. The protest, according to ABVP, began after its activists visited the Health Centre to enquire into complaints raised by students concerning medical equipment, specialist doctors and the manner in which patients were treated.

ABVP has alleged that security personnel manhandled its activists when they questioned the arrangements at the Health Centre. According to the organisation, the exchange became confrontational, with security personnel asking the students, “Who are you to ask?” before a physical scuffle followed.

ABVP has further alleged that activists Vikas Patel, Abhay and Animesh sustained injuries during the incident. These allegations have been made by the protesting students and have not, in the material available for



this report, been independently verified.

The organisation has also referred to earlier incidents in which, it claims, students were chased or beaten by doctors. No independent account of those earlier incidents has been provided.

Following the Health Centre incident, ABVP announced an indefinite sit-in.

The demands are as follows:

. Action against the CMO and erring staff, including the CMO’s resignation.

. A comprehensive medical, administrative and financial audit of the Health Centre, with an impartial inquiry.

. Installation of CCTV cameras and stronger accountability at the Health Centre.

. A transparent, time-bound and secure grievance redressal system for students.

. A PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra at JNU for affordable medicines.

It has also sought action against the security personnel allegedly involved in the scuffle.