New Delhi: In a one-of-its-kind move, Jamia Millia Islamia has asked parents to take responsibility of their wards’ conduct. It has reportedly added parental undertaking regarding the same in its admission procedure. The procedure is aimed at making parents responsible for the character and conduct of the students. Jamia is the first institute to take such a disciplinary measure.
The document was issued as a part of the Standard Operating Procedure. It was approved by the Vice Chancellor as well. The SOP was recommended by a committee, which is solely responsible for the adoption and execution of the uniform guidelines. These guidelines are to be followed by the faculties, departments, and centres during the admission procedures.
Along with the student’s declaration, the SOP also covers ‘Declaration by the Father/Local Guardian of the student’, which says, ‘I hereby declare that I take take full responsibility of his/her conduct and character as a student of Jamia Mllia Islamia. I shall make myself available to the university, whenever required.’
The parenting undertaking comes at a time when cases of ragging have risen exponentially and a considerable number of them have been blamed on the lack of proper decorum and regulatory measures implemented by the institute. In some cases, the conduct and character of the raggers have come under scanner.
A study by the University Grants Commission (UGC) revealed that nearly 40% of students across India have experienced ragging, but only a small percentage (8.6%) reported the incidents. Jamia Millia Islamia taking such a novel step to restrain an undesirable situation, is commendable.
However, the absence of the inclusion of the mother’s name from the declaration, raises concerns.
