Jamia Millia Islamia's directive for parents of new students: 'Take responsibility for conduct and character of wards'

Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended all Memorandum of Understanding with Turkish educational institutions- Representative photo

Parents or local guardians of newly admitted students in Jamia Millia Islamia will have to take responsibility for the "conduct and character" of their wards, according to a report by Times of India.

The undertaking is part of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approved for admissions in April last year.

The SOP was reportedly recommended by a committee constituted for implementation of uniform guidelines to be followed by departments, faculties, and centres during the admission process.

According to TOI, the SOP also includes a "Declaration by the Father/Local Guardian of the Student," which reads: "I hereby declare that I take full responsibility of his/her conduct and character as a student of Jamia Millia Islamia. I shall make myself available to the university whenever required."

Undertakings from parents on anti-ragging norms are standard across Indian universities. However, this provision is not part of any other central universities in Delhi.

The requirement comes amid the administration’s heightened focus on discipline.

In February, students held a sit-in protest near the central canteen of the university, demanding the revocation of disciplinary action against their peers.

Following this, the university filed a police complaint, and several students later alleged that police officials contacted their parents, asking them to ensure their wards left the protest site.

TOI reached out to Jamia media coordinator Saima Saeed for a comment but did not receive any response. A university faculty member, who did not wish to be named,told TOI that the parental undertaking was a "preventive measure".

Meanwhile, Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended all Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish educational institutions, amid escalating calls across the country to boycott Turkey over its vocal support for Pakistan during the recent conflict.

Speaking to ANI, Professor Saima Saeed, PRO of Jamia Millia Islamia, said, " We have suspended all MoUs with institutions affiliated with Turkey. Jamia stands with the nation and the Government of India."

The development follows Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) suspension of its academic agreement with Inonu University in Malatya, Turkiye, citing national security concerns.