Students at Delhi School of Journalism protest over high fees and lack of facilities, following a heated exchange with the director, captured in a viral video. | Image: DU Official Website
A disturbance occurred at the Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) on Tuesday when a group of students approached the institute’s director, requesting better facilities in light of the “exorbitant fees” being charged. A video circulating on social media appears to show DSJ Director, Professor Bharati Ghore, responding, “Joote se peetungi, keep quiet. The incident unfolded around 2 pm when several students raised concerns with Ghore about the lack of academic activities and inadequate infrastructure on campus, despite the steep fees.
What Are The Students’ Concerns?
Students at the Delhi School of Journalism have raised several concerns about their academic environment and overall experience. Key issues include poor WiFi connectivity in basement classrooms, unclean and poorly maintained classrooms, and frequent infrastructure problems like electricity and lighting failures. The library is also unequipped and cannot accommodate all students, while there is a severe shortage of essential equipment such as cameras, audio tools, and computers, along with the absence of a computer lab.
Students have expressed frustration over high fees, which do not match the quality of facilities. The lack of a cafeteria, insufficient water coolers, and non-functional charging points further complicate their daily experience. The placement and internship cell is irregular, limiting career guidance, and excessive attendance pressure hinders internships.
While talking to FPJ, students from the Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) expressed frustration over the ongoing issues within the institution, particularly the lack of infrastructure and support for academic activities. “For a long time, we have been disappointed by the administration’s disregard for our concerns,” the student shared. “We face issues such as no Wi-Fi in classrooms, no computer lab, and a lack of space and resources in our library. Our societies aren’t supported, and we have to fund events ourselves, with reimbursements often delayed. Despite paying exorbitant fees, the administration offers no help.” The student also pointed out the controversy surrounding a recent event organised by the administration, where students were pressured to attend a event. “We were told that attendance at this political event would be linked to our class attendance, which many found deeply troubling,” the student added.
In addition to these concerns, the student highlighted the growing pressure from the new director to maintain high attendance, despite many students being involved in internships and side jobs due to the lack of quality academic offerings. “The administration doesn’t help us secure internships or jobs, and there’s no placement cell. We are left to find opportunities on our own, and yet the director is pushing unrealistic attendance requirements,” the student explained.
Another student from the Delhi School of Journalism shared, “We approached the director to discuss the high fees and lack of facilities at the school. When we tried to express our concerns, we asked to speak with her, but she didn’t listen and simply told us to keep quiet, as seen in the viral video.” The student continued, “Despite paying high fees, we don’t have basic facilities like a functioning canteen and Wi-Fi is not working properly. We even have to fund our own events from our own pockets, with no support from the administration.”
Another student from the Delhi School of Journalism stated, “We have raised these issues many times through our class representatives, but the basic facilities have still not been provided. In this regard, we went to speak with the director, asking her to listen to our concerns.” The student added, “We don’t even have enough seating in the library, yet students are still paying library fees.”
DSJ Director Responds
Denying all the allegations, Ghore accused the students of spreading incomplete information and misleading videos about her. “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,” she told The Indian Express.
Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ): Fee Structure
– The annual fee for first-year students in the Five-Year Integrated Program in Journalism (FYIPJ) and the Master of Journalism (MJ) program at the Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) is Rs 79,820.
– For students in the second to fifth years of the FYIPJ and the second year of the MJ program, the annual fee is Rs 69,620.
