SUMIT SHARMA
Jammu: The proposed allocation of ₹50 crore by the University of Jammu for establishing a campus at Budgam has triggered a fresh controversy, with protesters accusing the university administration of neglecting pressing concerns at its existing campuses and demanding accountability from Vice-Chancellor.
A protest was held outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office on Wednesday from 2 pm to 2:50 pm, led by Jai Sidh Bhalla, Secretary of the PYC, and Amir Choudhary, spokesperson of the GBSA. The protesters questioned the rationale behind the proposed expenditure and argued that the funds could be better utilised to strengthen infrastructure and improve student facilities at Jammu University.
The protesters also pasted posters demanding justice for students and calling upon the Vice-Chancellor to “go back to UP”, intensifying their criticism of the university administration.
Addressing the media, Bhalla questioned the proposed investment in Budgam, asking why the university was planning to commit such a substantial amount while students at Jammu continued to raise concerns over fees and inadequate facilities.
He alleged that the proposed allocation raised questions under the University of Jammu Act, 1969, and demanded that the administration clarify the legal provisions under which the funds were being earmarked for a campus outside the university’s existing territorial jurisdiction.
Bhalla also pointed to an alleged disparity in law course fees, claiming that the BA LL.B. fee in Kashmir was approximately ₹13,000, against ₹24,000 to ₹25,000 at Jammu University. He argued that the university should explain the difference and prioritise students’ concerns before committing substantial resources to a new project.
Choudhary alleged that the proposed Budgam expenditure had raised serious questions about the university’s priorities, particularly when students at Jammu were facing a shortage of hostel accommodation and other infrastructure-related difficulties.
He argued that the ₹50-crore allocation could instead be used to construct hostels for undergraduate, postgraduate and integrated-course students and improve facilities across the university.
He further claimed that research scholars were facing financial hardships and working on daily wages, while substantial funds were being directed towards the proposed campus. He questioned the administration’s approach to research, staffing and the welfare of students and scholars.
The protesters also questioned the university’s efforts to promote Dogri, Gojri and Pahari, seeking details of the funds allocated for the development of these regional languages and research activities.
Choudhary sought explanations regarding the condition of the university’s campuses at Poonch, Bhaderwah and Udhampur, questioning the reported low student enrolment and the delay in making the proposed Gojri and Pahari research centre operational.
He maintained that the protesters were not opposed to the development of a university campus in Kashmir but insisted that Jammu University must address deficiencies in its existing institutions and ensure balanced development.
In a direct criticism of the university leadership, Choudhary accused the Vice-Chancellor of taking decisions without adequately consulting students, local representatives and other stakeholders from the Jammu division.
He demanded student union elections, arguing that students who pay substantial fees should have a voice in decisions concerning the utilisation of university funds and the institution’s priorities.
He also raised concerns over recruitment and staffing, questioning the constitution of committees, faculty appointments and the alleged replacement of contractual positions with daily-wage arrangements. He called for greater transparency in recruitment and administrative decisions.
Bhalla alleged that students who had participated in earlier press conferences to raise fee-related issues had faced pressure, including reportedly calls to their families.
He described the alleged conduct as an attempt to discourage students from voicing their grievances and asserted that students must be allowed to exercise their right to protest peacefully and express their concerns.
The protesters urged the Vice-Chancellor to engage directly with students and address their demands instead of allowing dissatisfaction to grow.
The protest concluded with demands for reconsideration of the proposed expenditure, improved hostel facilities, promotion of regional languages, fairer treatment of students, transparency in recruitment and financial decisions, and the holding of student union elections.
Choudhary called upon the Vice-Chancellor either to address the grievances raised by students or step aside in favour of leadership more responsive to the needs of Jammu University.
The controversy has brought the proposed ₹50-crore Budgam campus into the spotlight, with protesters seeking clarity on the funding decision and insisting that existing student welfare and infrastructure requirements should receive due attention.
