Students baffled as HJU spends lakhs on convocation, not on infra

Jaipur: Haridev Joshi University (HJU) students on Tuesday said while the institute has claimed that it does not have funds for infrastructure development, Rs 9 lakh is being spent for the first convocation, a big amount of which is being spent on refreshments and entertainment of the invited VIPs.
Students said in the past month, seven meetings have been conducted for the convocation, but the administration was silent on their demands on improving infrastructure.
HJU students union president Somu Anand said, “On March 2, the Haridev Joshi Journalism University will hold its inaugural convocation. The management has sanctioned a huge budget. On the other hand, the administration keeps complaining about lack of funds for developing infrastructure while simultaneously providing high tea for guests at the convocation ceremony. The event should have been held with less expense if the university is short on funds.”
He said leftover money could have gone into for media studios, computers and other basic amenities on the campus. “Since months, we have been asking for these basic facilities that a journalism school requires for skill training of students, but there is no response. It would have been of great benefit for students if even half of the interest that the university is taking in organizing the convocation is used for the betterment of students,” added Anand.
Students said even if students want to come to class, the enrolment number in undergraduation courses is higher than capacity of the classrooms.
Prof Sudhi Rajiv, vice-chancellor of HJU said, “The university administration is always there for students and will help them in all possible manner. We will sit with the students and discuss the issues in detail.”
In February, HJU students had written to chief minister Ashok Gehlot demanding improvement in infrastructure facilities. Students have been protesting since long over lack of teachers, proper multimedia labs, furniture in classrooms among other issues. The students in their letter had said the university was the chief minister's dream project and by restarting it, Gehlot gave an opportunity to students who want to make a career in media and communications.