A clarion call from Dhruv Katoch is shaking up Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): withdraw hostel facilities from students perpetually entangled in slogan controversies. Katoch, a fierce critic of campus radicalism, views this as the linchpin to reclaiming JNU’s academic prestige.
In detailed submissions to university bodies, Katoch dissected the issue, noting how hostel leniency perpetuates a culture of impunity. He highlighted economic angles—precious public funds funneled into housing agitators—urging a shift toward need-based, merit-driven allocations.
Fresh allegations of slogan-raising during unsanctioned meets have fueled the fire, with Katoch demanding forensic probes and punitive relocations. ‘Discipline starts at the doorstep,’ he asserted, envisioning hostels as exemplars of civility.
The discourse has fractured along familiar lines, with endorsements from nationalist quarters and pushback from progressive circles. Katoch countered criticisms by advocating safeguards for innocent students, emphasizing targeted enforcement.
Zooming out, this imbroglio mirrors systemic challenges in student hostels nationwide, from overcrowding to politicization. Katoch’s blueprint—combining tech-enabled monitoring and community dialogues—offers a modern fix. As JNU deliberates, the outcome could redefine hostel governance, fostering environments where ideas thrive without descending into anarchy. Katoch’s persistence underscores a quest for a more responsible campus tomorrow.