JNUTA Opposes JNU's Weekend Classes and Shorter Breaks Amid CUET UG Results Delay, Demands Compensatory Leave

NEW DELHI, July 17, 2024 — The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) is vocally opposing the JNU administration’s suggestion to hold extra classes on Saturdays and shorten winter vacations. These measures, proposed to address the delay in CUET UG results 2024, are considered a violation of faculty and student rights and non-compliant with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced on July 14 that a CUET retest would be necessary for over 1,000 candidates, further postponing results initially expected in early July. This delay has disrupted JNU’s academic schedule, prompting the administration’s controversial suggestions.

JNUTA Stand Against Proposed Changes

JNUTA firmly rejects the JNU administration’s plan to hold additional classes on Saturdays and shorten winter breaks. These steps, intended to mitigate the delays in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG results, are seen as infringing on the established University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.

Impact of CUET Retest

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced on July 14 that more than 1,000 candidates would need a CUET retest, which has delayed the results expected in early July. This delay has caused significant disruptions to JNU’s academic calendar, leading to the administration’s contentious proposals.

Effects on Faculty and Students

JNUTA criticized the administration for failing to address the CUET process inefficiencies and instead shifting the burden onto faculty and students. The association stressed that holding classes six days a week and potentially shortening the winter break would negatively affect faculty research and writing time and pressure students.

In their official statement, JNUTA said, “The inefficiency of NTA causing delays in admissions has led to reductions in both semester duration and vacation time, which is unacceptable.”

Delays in CUET Results

The delay in CUET UG results has impacted over 1,000 candidates, complicating JNU’s efforts to maintain its academic calendar. The administration’s plan to release a unified academic calendar for all batches aims to streamline the admission process, adding to the controversy.

Demand for Compensatory Leave

JNUTA emphasized that faculty have not received compensatory leave for work done during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite having to forgo vacations. “In June 2024, faculty salaries were significantly reduced due to demands for the return of transport allowances paid during COVID,” JNUTA alleged. Faculty also had to conduct online classes and exams using their resources without support from JNU.

Breach of UGC Guidelines

The JNU administration’s proposal to hold classes six days a week and potentially shorten the winter break was criticized for violating UGC teaching and learning standards. JNUTA stated, “Both the UGC and the JNU administration are not only breaching UGC regulations but also infringing on the basic rights of students and teachers.”

Consequences of Proposed Changes

The proposed changes by the JNU administration could significantly reduce faculty research and writing time and place undue pressure on students to meet academic requirements in a shortened semester. JNUTA emphasized that the administration should focus on resolving CUET process issues rather than imposing unfair academic schedule changes.

JNUTA demands compensatory leave for work done during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights significant salary deductions faculty faced in June 2024. The association insists that JNU must address CUET process issues rather than imposing unfair academic schedule changes.