Jamia students boycott online classes, demand return to campus

New Delhi: Students from two departments at Jamia Millia Islamia have decided to boycott online classes, opposing the university’s move to keep teaching and examinations online until November 24. They have called for in-person academic activities to resume, citing the impact on coursework and research.

The Centre for West Asian Studies and the Department of Sociology announced the decision on Thursday, as protests over the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union and the removal of the Chief Proctor entered their 18th day.

The university extended virtual classes, stating that the campus situation was not suitable for regular academic activities. It also decided to conduct theory and practical examinations for odd-semester students online.

Students from the Centre for West Asian Studies said remote learning restricted access to the central library, archives, specialist journals and reference materials essential for research. They also highlighted the financial strain of paying for accommodation, food and travel in Delhi without access to regular campus facilities.

Both groups criticised the extension as arbitrary, citing the absence of a clear timeline and meaningful consultation. They demanded the restoration of campus access and safeguards against academic disadvantages.

The Sociology students’ association said participation in online classes by students concerned about attendance or academic consequences should not be treated as acceptance of the university’s decision. The groups said their boycott would continue until normal on-campus academic activities resumed.

With IANS inputs