JNU Plans to Sell Off Properties Due to Fund Crunch: Report
Facing a severe financial crunch, India’s topmost higher education institution Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is considering monetising two of its key properties to generate a steady stream of revenue, according to a report by *The New Indian Express*. The university is grappling with limited regular income and is now exploring options to redevelop or sell off its Gomti Guest House and the property at 35 Feroz Shah Road, the report said.
JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit told the media house that the university is under significant financial pressure due to a lack of earnings, exacerbated by the central government’s subsidies. “We have been demanding the tag of Institute of Eminence, which would bring us Rs 1,000 crore to be added to our corpus, generating interest that would ease the financial burden on JNU,” she told TNIE.
On the matter of monetising university properties, Pandit revealed that JNU, which was ranked second among universities and 10th in overall category in the recently released NIRF ranking, is planning to repurpose these assets through public-private partnerships. “We are looking to redevelop the 35 Feroz Shah Road property into a multi-storey building, similar to the Indian Chamber of Commerce. This could include seminar halls, auditoriums, and guest houses, all of which could be rented out, providing a new revenue stream for the university,” Pandit explained. However, she noted that this project could take over two years to complete.
Regarding the Gomti Guest House, located behind the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) building, Pandit mentioned plans to lease it to a private entity. “Currently, we spend around Rs 50,000 per month on its maintenance without any returns. By leasing it out, we could earn between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh monthly in rent,” she added, drawing parallels with the practices followed by Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
In addition to these measures, JNU is also negotiating with the Ministry of Education to secure rent payments from the 12 national institutes operating on its campus. These institutes, which have not been paying rent, could provide a consistent income stream if an agreement is reached. “We need this rent as we cannot increase fees for students,” Pandit emphasized.
The university is also exploring ways to reduce its electricity costs, the largest expense it incurs each month. Pandit pointed out that the installation of solar panels on campus could significantly cut down on electricity bills. “Our students expect everything for free, even air conditioning, but we must find ways to manage our resources better,” she concluded.
This move to monetise properties and seek new revenue sources reflects the ongoing financial challenges faced by one of India’s most prominent universities.
JNU was established in 1969 with a vision to promote academic excellence and social inclusiveness. Named after India’s first Prime Minister, JNU was founded to encourage advanced research and higher education across diverse disciplines. Located in New Delhi, the university quickly became a hub for intellectual debate and progressive thinking, attracting scholars from various fields.
JNU is renowned for its strong emphasis on research, critical inquiry, and interdisciplinary studies. The university offers programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and international relations, among others. Its School of International Studies and School of Social Sciences are particularly celebrated for their academic rigor and contributions to public discourse.
JNU’s academic quality is reflected in its faculty, many of whom are leading experts in their fields, and its alumni, who have made significant contributions to academia, government, and public service both in India and globally.
