Protests Erupt at Ambedkar University Over Mandatory Attendance for PhD Scholars

New Delhi, September 16 (Daily Kiran) : A significant controversy is unfolding at Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) regarding mandatory attendance for PhD scholars. The Joint Action Committee of PhD scholars is demanding the withdrawal of a circular issued by the Dean of Academic Affairs on July 31. This circular has sparked considerable unrest among the student community.On Wednesday, members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) joined the protests, advocating for the complete retraction of the circular. Scholars argue that the university suffers from severe infrastructure deficiencies, yet the administration is imposing strict attendance monitoring. This marks the fourth occasion where a substantial number of scholars and student representatives have united against the administration's policies. A delegation of student counselors met with Dr.Satyaketu Sanskrit, the Dean of Academic Affairs, during which tensions escalated. Allegedly, a section officer requested identification from the PhD scholars, a demand they refused to comply with. During the meeting, the Dean questioned the very circular he had signed, deflecting responsibility by stating that the demand for mandatory attendance had originated from the school deans. However, scholars contend that some deans have shifted the blame for issuing such circulars onto the central administration, highlighting a lack of coordination within the administration itself.Additionally, scholars claim that this circular was a direct response to a previous protest at Jantar Mantar, which successfully called for the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to AISA, the meeting with the Dean was unproductive, as he firmly rejected any possibility of retracting the circular. In response, scholars and students announced that their peaceful struggle would continue until the mandatory attendance requirement for PhD scholars is fully revoked.