The recent JNU students' protest should be supported by all right-minded people throughout the country, in my opinion.
There is no doubt that the hike in hostel and food fees will hit poor students hard. A significant proportion of JNU students come from poor families who cannot pay the increased fees. According to JNU’s annual report for 2017-18, of the 1,586 students admitted that year, 40 per cent belonged to the lower or middle-income groups whose monthly family income was less than Rs 12,000.
Students were paying Rs 2,500 per month as hostel and food fee, but this has been increased to Rs 8,000 per month (There was only a small rollback due to the agitation). Consequently, many students from poor backgrounds may not be able to continue their studies as they cannot afford to pay the hiked fee. A recent study revealed that many JNU students go hungry, walk miles, and wear damaged shoes to save money. Some even work shifts.
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In my opinion, the action of the university authorities violates Article 14 of the Constitution because it discriminates against poor students. In its historic decision in Brown vs Board of Education, 1954, the US Supreme Court observed that “It is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such opportunity must be made available to all on equal terms”.
The importance of education has been recognised in all countries. In the Chandogya Upanishad, there is a remarkable declaration of King Ashvapati Kaikeya: “Na mey janpadey avidvaan” (There is no uneducated person in my kingdom).
Plato, in his The Republic, said that the state is first and foremost an educational institution. According to Plato, with a good system of education almost any improvement is possible. If education is neglected, it matters little what else the state does.
The right to free education was advanced in the great American and French Revolutions as it is implicit in the right to equality. Since the right to equality was made a guaranteed fundamental right in the Constitution viz Article 14. The fee hike should, therefore, be immediately withdrawn.
All right-minded and democratic persons must condemn the police lathicharge on the agitating JNU students (in which even a blind student was reportedly beaten up) and demand action against those who ordered it. There was certainly nothing wrong in students going to Parliament to ventilate their just grievances. Parliament represents the people, and parliamentarians are their elected representatives.
Full support to the JNU students. Down with the high-handedness and heartless behaviour of the authorities.
Justice Markandey Katju retired from Supreme Court in 2011
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK
