Mass protest Against Implementation of Compulsory Hindi/MILs in Delhi University

10th April, 2013

Mass protest Against Implementation of Compulsory Hindi/MILs in Delhi University on 10 April 2013

Under the banner "North East Students Community Against Implementation of Compulsory Hindi/MILs in Delhi University", a mass protest was held by the students from North east India today at the University of Delhi from 1pm onwards. There were about 2500 student protestors from different north east students organisations based in Delhi. The organisations involved were:

Arunachal Student's Union, Delhi
All Assamese Student's Association, Delhi
All Bodo Students Union, Delhi
Eastern Nagaland Students Union, Delhi
Kuki Students organisation, Delhi
Manipur Student's Association, Delhi
Meghalaya Student's Union, Delhi
Mishing Students Association, Delhi
Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl
Naga Student's Union, Delhi
Sikkim Student's Union, Delhi
Siamsinpawlpi-JHQ,Delhi
Tripura Student's Forum, Delhi.
Zou Student organisation, Delhi

Mass protest Against Implementation of Compulsory Hindi/MILs in Delhi University on 10 April 2013

The protestors gathered at the Arts faculty before proceeding towards the Vice-Chancellors office at gate no.1. Braving the heat, the student protestors waited for several hours for the VCs office to directly address them and also receive their memorandum. In the absence of the VC, the pro Vice Chancellor , Prof. Pachuri, invited a delegation of student's leaders into the VC s office for deliberation. Subsequently, the pro VC decided to meet and briefly address the student protestors and also received the memorandum prepared by the committee.

Following this, the pro VC also announced that the University had decided to offer a paper "literature in English" in lieu of Hindi, MIL, Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit under the foundation course. However this was out rightly rejected by the committee on the grounds that it had within it, clearly stated conditions valid for only those who had never studied Hindi/MIL in their course of education. (refer to 1st attachment).

It now remains to be observed how the administration of Delhi University addresses the issues put forth and accordingly, this committee resolves to fight till its demands are met. The protesting crowd then dispersed with the assurance from the Pro VC that its issues will be put on priority and its demands will be addressed.

Mass protest Against Implementation of Compulsory Hindi/MILs in Delhi University on 10 April 2013

To,
The Vice-Chancellor,
University of Delhi,
Delhi-110007.
10th April, 2013

Memorandum inviting consideration for proposed Compulsory Hindi/MIL in the Undergraduate Courses, starting with Academic Session 2013-2014.

Respected Sir,

The undersigned, representing the various authoritative students’ bodies from all North-Eastern states, would greatly appreciate your gentle deliberation for the proposed inclusion of Compulsory Hindi/MIL in the Undergraduate Courses, starting with Academic Session 2013-2014, with the following considerations:

1. The various North-East Indian states is represented by a mega-linguistic diversity, notwithstanding the fact that language is a composite and sensitive issue in politics and identity;
2. Various North-Eastern states have their own language policy in educational set-ups, considering the fact that existing national language planning is incompatible with heterogeneous constituencies;
3. Contrary to popular perceptions, Hindi/MIL is evenly not implemented at Higher Secondary School Education level (10+2), least to mention, not even at Secondary School Education level (Matriculation);
4. Most of the students from North-East studying at Delhi University are from different/respective Boards of School Education or Councils or Universities—where English is offered as both First, Second and Third Language(s).

Having stated these considerations for your kind information, we would thereof request your capable person to kindly:

a. Revise the proposed Compulsory Hindi/MIL language requirement, both for Credit Course and Non-Credit Course;
b. Insert Alternative English Course or other English-Medium Course, in lieu of the Compulsory Hindi/MIL requirements.

We would like to kindly request you to appreciate our common platform, considering the urgency of a common interest that has brought us together.

We would gently like to remind you that we are not proposing for any special recognition—but for highlighting the special circumstances in which our educational schooling vis-à-vis language is radically different from the rest of the county. We strongly felt that the proposal for Compulsory Hindi/MIL Language is not optional; unaware of the educational situation in North-East; and a breach of fundamental right to access and enjoyment of Higher Education.

We also take this opportunity to remind you of our earlier representation to your competent office, dated 02nd April, 2013—the same of which is reiterated here—and, for which, no confirmation of any hearing has been communicated to us. We shall be eagerly expecting from—either in written or with immediate revocation of Hindi as Compulsory Language.

We shall greatly appreciate if wisdom can prevail at the soonest—because our humbly representation to you rests not on a demand but on an issue that in itself automatically makes our students impossible to continue further education in your esteem University.

We appreciate your wisdom and vision and would like to extend our unstinting support now and even in the future.

With our best wishes,

North East Students Committee Against Imposition of Compulsory Hindi/MILs

Arunachal Student’s Union, Delhi
All Assamese Student’s Association, Delhi
All Bodo students Union, Delhi
Eastern Nagaland Students Union, Delhi
Manipur Student’s Association, Delhi
Meghalaya Student’s Union, Delhi
Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl
Mishing Students Assocition, Delhi
Naga Student’s Union, Delhi
Sikkim Student’s Union, Delhi
Siamsinpawlpi-JHQ,Delhi
Tripura Student’s Union, Delhi

Copy to:
1. Members, Academic Council, University of Delhi.
2. Members, Executive Council, University of Delhi.
3. Members, Task Force, University of Delhi.
4. Director, South Campus, University of Delhi.
5. Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi.
6. Dean of Students' Welfare, University of Delhi
7. MPs From North East States