By Amrita Tripathi & Yuvraj Pandey
Ruckus broke out at the Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) on Tuesday after a group of students appealed to the institute’s director to provide more facilities, citing the “exorbitant fees” being charged. A purported video showed DSJ director, Professor Bharati Ghore, telling students: “Joote se peetungi, keep quiet. (I’ll hit you with my shoe, keep quiet).” The director has denied the claims.
The incident took place on Tuesday, when a few students approached Ghore around 2 pm, objecting to the lack of academic activities and infrastructure on campus despite the high fees.
As per the 2024-25 fee structure on the DSJ website, the annual fee for first-year students of its Five-Year Integrated Program in Journalism (FYIPJ) and Master of Journalism (MJ) is Rs 79,820. For FYIPJ second, third, fourth and fifth years and MJ second year, it is Rs 69,620.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Ghore denied the allegations and accused students of spreading half-baked stories and fake videos against her. She said, “The students misbehaved with me first, in response to which I asked them not to do so. They are misleading people with a one-sided story. However, the students have apologised to the authorities and the matter has been closed.”
Students, however, denied issuing any such apology to the institution. They accused the director of using foul language and said as the head of an educational institution, her behaviour was unbecoming.
They called for a protest against the director and authorities on Thursday and said they have invited the Delhi University (DU) students’ union president to stand with them.
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As per the website, DSJ, which started in 2017 under DU, offers a Five-Year Integrated Program in Journalism with a special emphasis on languages (both foreign and vernacular). The students also have an exit option after the completion of Bachelor of Journalism or continue with Master of Journalism.
Students alleged that there are no computer labs, library facilities, no WiFi in basements, and no AC. “The DSJ management is non-cooperative… There is no transparency in funds allocated to society and events… when we ask questions, they say we are students and should focus on studies,” said a second-year student.
This is not the first time students have raised concerns about the lack of facilities. In 2018 too, students protested and classes were suspended for a few days.
(The writers are interns at The Indian Express)
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