MNLU Nagpur Registrar meets protesting students, assures time bound action

The Registrar of Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur on Monday met with students protesting over a range of grievances, including the suppression of dissent.

The University has agreed to a series of time bound commitments arising from the meeting, though certain issues remain under negotiation.

A document created during the meeting records proposed measures across four timelines.

These range from steps to be taken with immediate effect, such as making notice boards operational and publishing the minutes of the meeting, to commitments extending up to a month or, in the case of new hostel construction, up to three months.

The students said that the administration has assured them that all issues raised by them will be taken into consideration and that they will await the implementation of the agreed changes by the end of the working day on July 13. If the commitments made are not honoured, protests will resume from July 14, the students added.

Among the measures listed for immediate effect, the document records that a formal warning should be issued to a warden over a disparaging remark made against a student, and separately, that a review meeting should be held with all hostel wardens on behavioural concerns.

It also records a commitment that no warden will visit a student's room without a written reason, and that unreasonable bag checks at hostel gates will end. Any staff member found to have pressured a student into signing any 'unreasonable' undertaking must face action, including suspension, the document states.

The document further records that a warden at the extended campus will face suspension over an incident in which a female student was allegedly compelled to sign such an undertaking.

The document also lists commitments on student safety and welfare, including adequate stocking of sanitary products at both hostels without restriction, a formal directive barring security guards and housekeeping staff from initiating personal calling, messaging, or establishing contact with students, and the prioritised installation of CCTV cameras at the Dongargaon campus.

Students have demanded immediate and uncompromising action against individuals found to be harassing or intimidating women students as well, calling for swift investigation and legal or disciplinary consequences where warranted. A written complaint on specific incidents at the extended campus is to be submitted to the Office of the Chief Warden (Girls) by the end of this week.

The document further addresses concerns of inadequate transport facilities for students residing at MNLU's extended hostel facilities in Dongargaon. The document says four air-conditioned buses, approved by the Registrar, is expected to be made available within days, along with a weekend bus service for Dongargaon students where at least 15 students seek it. It also records a commitment to keep one ambulance available around the clock at both campuses.

The students have also sought a policy allowing a male student to accompany a female student in an ambulance with her explicit consent, arguing that gender restrictions should not override a patient's choice of emotional support during a medical emergency.

The document goes on to state that a draft of hostel regulations is expected to be circulated for feedback within a week. An assurance has also been made that a written update on the recruitment of a Placement Officer will be given within a week. This was in response to concerns that there was no adequate support for students when it came to internships and placement.

In response to concerns about a printing fee being charged from students despite the unavailability of adequate printed reading material, the document says a written explanation is expected to be provided within a week. An assurance is also expected in writing that printed material will be provided from the current academic session, failing which the printing fee already paid shall be reimbursed.

The document further records that within a month, a written assurance will be given that the construction of a new girls' hostel will start within three months, along with commitments to make the canteen operational, and complete a financial audit.

Also addressed are concerns about the fees charged from BA LLB (Hons. in Adjudication and Justicing) programme during their apprenticeship semester, when they are away from campus. The document says that the final semester students of this program can pursue appropriate fee relief measures through the submission of a representation.

Additionally, students have called for the expedited recruitment of essential staff, specifically flagging the vacant position of Librarian, as a priority to ensure continued access to academic resources.

The document also notes that since the delayed disbursal of government funds has affected hostel construction, a student body will draft a formal representation on the issue to the Chancellor, and Pro-Chancellor, as well as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

It adds that students have requested a follow-up meeting to review progress against each of the timelines recorded in the document.