NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru University's young force may be rich in talent but they now seem to be struggling with a shortage of another kind.

Nearly 59 per cent of JNU students are battling financial problems, with a majority of them too broke to pay even their mess bills.

A recent survey conducted by the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) to assess the nature of financial problems faced by the student community on the campus has revealed that the dismal financial condition is affecting the academic performance of students, especially research scholars.

Although financially weak students are provided a means-cum-merit scholarship, students say it does not even cover the mess expenses which on an average range from Rs.800 to Rs.1,000.

With the writing on the wall loud and clear, JNUSU has now decided to take up the matter with the University. "After our survey we have come to realise that a majority of the students here are facing financial difficulties which is affecting research in quality in the University. Based on the results, we have come up with a set of demands on financial assistance,'' said JNUSU vice-president Dhananjay.

Interestingly enough, the University does have a lot of schemes to help students coming from financially weak backgrounds, including the opportunity for students to earn while they are on the campus. But all these attempts, say students, are well short of what is really needed.

With the student community demanding an increase in the number of scholarships and financial assistance schemes for some time now, the University says it has been trying to help. "Most JNU students are in their 20s and most of them face pressure from home too as it sometimes becomes difficult for families to support them. Apart from the expectation of earning, girls also face the pressure of marriage. So it is even more important that there are better facilities,'' said another JNUSU member.

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