SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday has urged the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) to review the university's mandatory requirement of appointing a local guardian residing in Delhi as a precondition for hostel admission, describing the provision as a significant hurdle for students from distant states, particularly Jammu & Kashmir.

In a representation submitted by the Association's National Media Coordinator, Mir Zubair, to the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar, Association stated that the existing requirement creates unnecessary difficulties for outstation students who often have no relatives, family friends, or acquaintances residing in Delhi to fulfil the condition. Despite meeting all academic and eligibility criteria, many students face obstacles in completing hostel admission formalities solely because they are unable to nominate a local guardian in the national capital.

Zubair argued that while the requirement may have originally been introduced to ensure students' welfare and facilitate emergency coordination, it has become increasingly impractical for a large number of students from geographically distant regions. He said the provision disproportionately affects students from Jammu & Kashmir and other remote parts of the country, placing them at a disadvantage even before the commencement of their academic session.

The Association further pointed out that students from far-flung regions already contend with challenges such as long-distance travel, financial constraints, and limited access to accommodation in Delhi. Imposing a mandatory local guardian requirement, it said, adds an avoidable procedural barrier that many deserving students are unable to overcome despite securing admission on merit.

Association has urged the university administration to adopt a more inclusive and student-friendly approach by allowing parents or legal guardians to be recognised irrespective of their place of residence. Alternatively, it suggested that the university may authorise hostel wardens, faculty advisors, or other designated university officials to act as local guardians for administrative and emergency purposes wherever necessary.

He said that such measures would continue to safeguard students' welfare while ensuring that no student is denied hostel accommodation merely because they do not have personal contacts or relatives residing in Delhi.

The Association expressed hope that the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar would sympathetically consider the concerns raised by students from Jammu & Kashmir and other outstation regions and initiate appropriate policy changes to make the hostel admission process more accessible, equitable, and inclusive.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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