Jamia agrees to student union polls by August 2027, students end hunger strike
New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia has agreed to hold Students’ Union elections by the last week of August 2027, paving the way for elected student representation after a gap of two decades. The decision follows weeks of demonstrations and hunger strikes demanding a firm election schedule, India Today reported.
In an official communication issued on Thursday, the university directed that drafting, approval and implementation of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union constitution be completed by May 15, 2027.
Deadline for union polls
The administration said elections would take place within six weeks of the start of the next academic session. The session will begin on July 16, 2027, placing the polls in the last week of August. Jamia last held student union elections in 2006. Protesters had sought a written commitment to restore the elected body, along with clear deadlines for the constitution and voting.
Earlier proposals failed to settle the dispute because students wanted the university to issue a formal order specifying the schedule.
Students end hunger strike
Students called off their hunger strike after the Registrar met them and assured them of a definite timeline for completing the constitution and conducting elections. The written communication addresses the lack of firm deadlines, which had remained a major point of disagreement between the administration and protesters.
The agitation intensified in recent weeks, with hunger strikes and demonstrations near the administrative block. Security personnel were deployed around campus gates, while tensions disrupted regular academic activities.
Disciplinary measures face withdrawal
The university’s order also provides for revoking show-cause notices and disciplinary proceedings linked to participation in the protests. Rustications, suspensions and campus ban orders connected to the agitation will also be withdrawn. Students had made the withdrawal of these measures a central demand during their discussions with the administration.
Offline teaching resumes Monday
Offline classes and examinations will resume on Monday after the university shifted academic activities online amid the campus tensions. The online arrangements had caused concern among students whose courses require practical training, fieldwork and other activities that are difficult to conduct remotely.
With the hunger strike over and an election schedule announced, the next steps include completing the constitution by the deadline and preparing for polls within the promised period.