IIM Jammu Fines Students for Missing PM Modi's Birthday Event
· India · The Hindu, Indian Express
IIM Jammu has issued a notice imposing a ₹500 fine on students who were absent from a mandatory lamp-lighting ceremony held on campus on September 17 to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. The institute stated that students must submit a written explanation for their absence, noting that exemptions are only permitted for medical reasons supported by an official note from the campus health centre, Sanjeevni. Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain criticised the move, questioning why attendance at a political leader's birthday celebration is treated as a compulsory academic exercise. The Congress leader argued that educational institutions should foster independent thought rather than mandate participation in political publicity events. The institute has required students to submit their explanations by Sunday, September 19, 2026, to avoid the penalty.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns regarding the autonomy of premier educational institutions and the appropriateness of mandating student participation in events linked to political figures. It highlights the ongoing debate over the boundaries between academic environments and political activities in Indian public institutions.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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