For nearly 20 years, students at Jamia Millia Islamia have been without an elected Students’ Union.

Founded in 1920 during India's freedom movement, Jamia has a history rooted in education, independent thought, and democratic participation. Yet, since 2006, its students have lacked an elected body to represent their collective concerns about education, campus facilities, accommodation, welfare, and institutional accountability.

The ongoing protests and hunger strike have brought renewed attention to the demand for restoring the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU).

We respectfully seek the attention of the Union Minister of Education, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the President of India in the capacity of Visitor of Jamia Millia Islamia to ensure that the concerns outlined below receive appropriate examination and a transparent, time-bound response.

An Election Promise Still Needs a Deadline

On 26 October 2026, the university administration announced that Students’ Union elections would be held within 15 days after approval of the Union's constitution.

However, no deadline was specified for approving the constitution itself.

Although a constitution-drafting committee has been formed, students have not been given a definite election roadmap. Protesting students have proposed 20 December 2026 as the deadline for constitutional approval.

A transparent process with clear milestones, meaningful student consultation, and a definite election timetable would provide a practical way forward.

Student Safety and Fair Treatment

Concerns have been raised about the handling of the protests, including allegations of security restrictions, detentions, mistreatment, and obstruction of people attempting to deliver drinking water, food, and essential assistance.

These reports require impartial investigation. Regardless of disagreements over the protests, access to drinking water, sanitation, medical care, and essential supplies must be protected.

The administration has also announced the withdrawal of certain protest-related suspensions and show-cause notices and an inquiry into security personnel's conduct. These commitments should be implemented fairly and transparently, including examination of concerns regarding the Chief Security Advisor.

Lawful peaceful expression should be protected, and a blanket public apology should not be required as a condition for considering legitimate student grievances.

Students’ Education and Welfare Must Be Protected

Under the university's 28 October 2026 order, online classes have been extended until 24 November, followed by online practical examinations from 25–30 November and theory examinations from 1–24 December 2026.

While campus safety is important, prolonged online arrangements create concerns about laboratory work, fieldwork, supervised practical training, direct academic interaction, and examination fairness.

Students and their families have also made financial commitments towards fees, accommodation, transportation, and living expenses. Uncertainty about reopening particularly affects hostel residents and students living away from home.

Written representations from sections of the student community have raised concerns about these disruptions and the need for meaningful consultation.

A clear, safety-conscious reopening plan and appropriate academic and accommodation safeguards are therefore necessary.

What We Are Asking For

We respectfully request the concerned authorities to examine the situation and take appropriate steps within their respective powers to ensure:

1. A definite Students’ Union election roadmap, including transparent constitution drafting, student consultation, a firm approval deadline, and time-bound elections, with consideration of the students' proposed 20 December 2026 deadline.

2. Student safety and independent accountability, including access to basic necessities and medical care, impartial examination of alleged security misconduct and obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and appropriate action where wrongdoing is established.

3. Fair disciplinary procedures and protection of peaceful expression, including implementation of announced disciplinary withdrawals and review of any remaining restrictions without imposing a blanket public apology requirement.

4. Restoration of regular academic functioning, with a clear reopening timeline, fair examinations, accessible arrangements, and safeguards for practical training, libraries, and other essential facilities.

5. Protection of student welfare, including clear arrangements for hostel residents and outstation students, accommodation, essential services, and financial or academic difficulties arising from prolonged uncertainty.

6. Meaningful dialogue and a written response, with specific decisions, responsibilities, and deadlines publicly communicated by the university administration.

A Fair and Accountable Way Forward

The university has a responsibility to maintain campus safety and academic functioning. Students also have legitimate interests in democratic representation, fair treatment, educational quality, and meaningful participation in decisions affecting them.

These responsibilities should be addressed together, not treated as competing priorities.

We respectfully request the Ministry of Education, UGC, and the President of India as Visitor of Jamia Millia Islamia to consider these concerns and facilitate an appropriate, transparent institutional resolution.

Restore the Students’ Union. Protect Education. Ensure Accountability. Respect Student Rights.