We Are Being Cheated, Claim Students of Delhi School of Journalism

Two computers and two faculty members for over 200 students at a college which was supposed to be India’s answer to the Columbia School of Journalism – touted to be the best journalism school in the world.

Citing insufficient infrastructure and unkept promises made to them exactly a year ago, students of Delhi School of Journalism allege that the college administration has not utilised over Rs 45 lakh in the last academic session.

Delhi School of Journalism, Delhi University’s first institution dedicated to a five-year long integrated journalism course, started its first academic session in 2017 in Hindi and English.

Thirty-five students have submitted a charter to the Director of the institute, J P Dubey, on 29 July demanding a functional media lab, library, financial transparency to show efficient utilisation of student's fee and hostel accommodation.

The students alleged that, for a strength of over 200 students, DSJ has only two computers and two faculty members.

We have one professor who teaches us four different subjects. Our courses are about media and we do not have a functional media lab. We just have two computers in the entire campus.

Maknoon Wani, a second year student, Delhi School of Journalism

“Earlier we were told that we will not need computers in the first year but we are now in second year and we want to learn journalism like students of other institutions. There is no sign of any computer or studio where we can learn even the basics of journalism,” Wani told The Quint.

The students further allege that not only do they feel cheated by the varsity for being denied a holistic learning experience, but also the hollow assurances on improved infrastructure made by the faculty for over a year now makes the college look incompetent.

“We have been told that DSJ will be akin to Columbia School of Journalism but we do not even have a library. In the name of library we have a reading room, capacity of which only allows 10 students at one time,” said Alishan Jafri, a second year student.

The students further allege that the classes have been conducted in canteen.

We were given laptops at the start of the session but it was taken away right some days before our exam. This left a lot of students without their crucial notes saved on these laptops.

Vipul Kumar, another student

Why Is DSJ Running into Trouble

Immediately after its inception, DSJ was criticised for its astronomically high fees which is the highest for any college operating under Delhi University, pegged at Rs 77,500 for one year. The administration stated that the college will experience “teething troubles” as any other new institution would.

What Are the Key Concerns of Students

In addition to more faculty and better infrastructure to suffice the requirements of 200 students, the students want the administration to bring down the fees. Students also want a defined eligibility criteria for securing scholarship to study at DSJ.

I was told that I do not look like I need a scholarship. Several others were asked about which phone do they use. I come from a low income family and yet I am paying a hefty fee.

Vipul, second year student of DSJ

What Does the Administration Have to Say

Director of DSJ, J P Dubey told The Quint that the administration understands the needs of students and recognises them as valid. “We have accepted the charter presented to us by the students and we are extending all help possible. The infrastructure of the college will be expanded as per the needs of the institution in time,” Dubey told The Quint.

Are More DU Colleges Running on Empty Promises?

While majority of Delhi University colleges, including top-notch colleges like Hindu College, St Stephen’s and Ramjas College, are in dire need of over 4,000 permanent faculty members, colleges like Institute of Home Economics (IHE) is also operating without sufficient faculty. “IHE started with just one faculty for over 120 students,” said Rajesh Jha, DUTA member.