Nation

IIE DIGITAL: The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has urged more than 1,000 universities and institutions affiliated with it to discourage students from participating in protests and agitations over the alleged NEET paper leak.

AIU President Vinay Kumar Pathak wrote to university vice-chancellors and directors, appealing to them to counsel students to remain focused on their academic pursuits. He argued that prolonged participation in protests could result in the loss of valuable academic time, affect students' preparation and increase stress.

In his letter, Pathak acknowledged the concerns surrounding the conduct of national-level examinations but maintained that the government was committed to strengthening and reforming the examination system. He also claimed that the latest NEET examination had been conducted in a transparent and error-free manner.

Pathak appealed to university authorities to speak to students with "patience, sensitivity and care for their future" and encourage them not to be distracted by calls for protests. According to him, students should concentrate on their education while the government works towards resolving concerns related to the examination system.

However, the AIU's advisory has drawn criticism from within the academic community. A former AIU president, who chose not to be identified, questioned the association's authority to issue such advice to autonomous universities. He argued that the matter was still under investigation and that the AIU had no clear basis to publicly support the government's position. According to him, the association could instead have convened a meeting of vice-chancellors to discuss the situation.

The former AIU president also alleged that educational institutions were increasingly being used to promote government policies. He cited an earlier instance involving the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), when protests had erupted over alleged irregularities in the assessment of examination papers. According to him, some principals and students were then asked to create videos praising the CBSE and share them on social media.

Meanwhile, Delhi University has also advised students to remain focused on their studies amid the ongoing protests. Several DU students had reportedly participated in demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janta Party and were injured during police action.

In a post on X, Delhi University acknowledged the concerns and anxiety among students, saying that the situation needed to be calmed and their distress reduced. The university also alleged that vested interests were taking advantage of students' fears instead of helping to address their concerns.

The Democratic Teachers' Front, a teachers' organisation at Delhi University, strongly criticised the university's statement. The organisation alleged that the university's position reflected a broader erosion of institutional autonomy and independent thinking, arguing that universities were increasingly being pushed towards functioning as platforms for government or ruling-party propaganda.