New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia is set to construct ‘Walls of Democracy’ outside all its eight entrances to curb defacement of university walls. The designated walls will be the only permitted spaces for putting up posters, notices, or displaying protest-related material, for which a tender has been issued. The construction work is expected to be completed by Feb at an estimated cost of Rs 3.34 lakh.The move follows earlier steps taken by the university to regulate protests on campus. In Oct, Jamia earmarked a designated place near gate no. 18 as the site for protests and public gatherings. The notification had warned that violations would invite strict disciplinary action under university rules.
Defacement of university property is prohibited at Jamia, with penalties including fines of up to Rs 20,000. According to a notice issued earlier by the university, incidents of slogan writing, painting and poster pasting on campus walls have been observed repeatedly.Those found guilty of defacing university property could face fines, and in the case of repeated offences. The university has also said that surveillance across the campus has been increased to check violations.A ‘Wall of Democracy’ refers to a designated space within or around a campus where posters, notices and campaign material can be displayed without violating defacement laws.
