The Hindu : New Delhi News : `Nestle outlet to go soon'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 07, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

`Nestle outlet to go soon'

By Lakshmi B. Ghosh

NEW DELHI, NOV. 6. It was one of the most debated issues in the just concluded Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) elections. And if the new JNUSU president, Mona Das, is to be believed, then the controversial Nestle outlet will be the first to feel the change in command.

Having vociferously demanded its closure during campaigning, the All India Students' Association (AISA) candidate said she would move for scrapping the outlet. Describing it as one of her priority areas, the new JNUSU president said: "One of the main issues I will take up is scrapping of the Nestle outlet, as we have maintained our opposition to corporatisation of the campus. We will also be taking up the issue of Mahanadi Hostel where a lot of married researchers are facing the problem of accommodation.''

One of the most debated issues of the election, making it even more evident that Nestle would have to go was the support extended by the new general secretary, Muqbil Ahmar, who felt that the campus had sent a vibrant message by voting for candidates with "Left credentials''.

"The Nestle outlet did not shape up the way we had perceived it, so we have maintained that we are for its closure and we would raise it as part of the union,'' Muqbil said.

Other issues Mona hopes to finish are some of the initiatives that were taken up by the outgoing students' union. "There are a lot of issues like financial assistance to students and improvement in the remedial classes that are witnessing an increase in the drop-out rate. We believe it could be used better to help students,'' said Mona.

Involving students more actively in the various movements taking place across the country is another priority, with the new president also planning initiatives towards organising "exposure trips'' to areas like Manipur to create greater awareness about the burning issues in different parts of the country.

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