New Delhi: In response to calls for reserving seats in the newly inaugurated Barak Hostel, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has clarified that while no hostel is exclusively reserved based on region or culture, priority is being accorded to students from the northeastern states in compliance with official directives.
The university stated that the phased allotment process for Barak Hostel began on April 8, with a clear focus on prioritising northeastern students.
However, it emphasised that the existing policies governing hostel allotments remain unchanged across all accommodations.
“The Barak Hostel was officially opened for allotment of JNU students on April 7. Priority has been given to northeast students in line with the directives,” the university noted in a circular, referencing the Inter-University (INU) agreement and the government-funded Barak Hostel project.
JNU reaffirmed its role as a central university dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity, stating that it “promotes social integrity, multiculturalism, and diversity on campus.”
The circular also highlighted an October 2023 memorandum from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), which mandated that the facility “should be put to use by INU without delay and priority shall be given to northeast students.”
The clarification follows a silent protest by the North East Students’ Forum (NESF) during the hostel’s inauguration.
The forum demanded that 75% of the seats in Barak Hostel be reserved for students from the eight northeastern states.
NESF alleged that only five of the 88 seats in the initial allotment list were allocated to northeastern students, contrary to assurances made during the hostel’s planning phase.
JNU reiterated its compliance with official instructions to prioritize northeastern students while maintaining that formal reservations would contradict the university’s inclusive ethos.
“The hostel manual emphasises enabling students from diverse backgrounds to live together and foster cooperation and goodwill,” the university stated.
NESF clarified that its demand was not for complete reservation but for adherence to commitments made during the hostel’s development.
ALSO READ: Assam Rifles, Mizoram Police seize drugs worth Rs 54 crore; Myanmar national held
“The demand is not about forced segregation but ensuring representation and safety,” the forum emphasised.
Barak Hostel, a five-storey facility with 228 rooms accommodating 446 students, was funded by the North Eastern Council and the Ministry of DoNER.
Although inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in February 2024, the hostel became operational in April.
