Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has taken a significant decision regarding the wards (children) of its teaching and non-teaching staff, effective from the upcoming academic session. The university has approved the implementation of a 5 percent supernumerary quota (reservation of additional seats) across all undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses.

This proposal was passed during the Executive Council meeting held on April 15. Previously, JNU had a supernumerary quota of less than 1 percent reserved for the children of regular staff members (Groups B, C, and D). Now, under this new decision, not only has this quota been increased to 5 percent, but it has also been extended to include the children of teaching staff.

For quite some time, the teaching and non-teaching staff at JNU had been demanding an increase in the quota reserved for their children. They argued that several other central universities across the country already provide a quota ranging from 5 to 15 percent for the children of their employees.

**Reservation to Apply to New Seats**
The university administration has clarified that this new quota will have no impact on the existing seats. This quota will be implemented by creating additional seats; in other words, there will be no reduction in the number of seats already allocated (the seat matrix).

According to a university official, "This 5 percent supernumerary quota will come into effect from the upcoming academic year and will apply to all UG and PG courses. Significantly, these seats are being created separately from the existing seats, ensuring that there is no adverse effect on the general category seats."

**Quota Benefit Extended to Children of Employees Who Pass Away During Service**
Before this decision, the Competent Authority had constituted a committee to examine this matter. The committee discussed the issue in detail and recommended that a 5 percent supernumerary quota be granted to the children of regular JNU employees (both teaching and non-teaching). Furthermore, the committee recommended extending the benefits of this quota to the children of employees who passed away while in service. The committee's recommendations were presented before the Academic Council, where they received approval. Subsequently, the Executive Council also accepted the proposal and decided to implement this 5 percent quota starting from the current academic year. Admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses at JNU are conducted through CUET-UG and CUET-PG, respectively.

However, candidates applying under the staff quota must still fulfill the prescribed minimum eligibility criteria and are required to qualify in the national-level entrance examinations. According to an official, "Admission for all candidates in this category will be based entirely on the prescribed eligibility criteria and their performance in the national-level entrance examinations."

**Many Other Universities Offer Quotas**

Several central universities and higher education institutions across the country have already implemented similar provisions for the children of their employees. For instance, such provisions exist at Delhi University and Banaras Hindu University as well. However, the scope and percentage of this quota may vary across different institutions.

This decision is expected to bring relief to JNU employees, particularly those families who have long been advocating for this facility.

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