IIM Jammu imposes penalties on students who skip Modi birthday ceremony

The Indian Institute of Management Jammu has issued a notice stating that any student who was absent from the Deepak Lighting ceremony—held on September 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday—will be charged a fine of ₹500 unless they submit a written reply, The Hindu reported.

The circular, circulated to all batches, describes the event as “mandatory” and says that the fine is intended to ensure compliance with the institute’s code of conduct. Students who do not respond within the stipulated time will see the amount deducted from their campus accounts.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. The Congress party condemned the institute’s decision, calling it an “unreasonable punitive measure” that infringes on students’ freedom of expression. Party spokespersons argued that academic institutions should not enforce political celebrations, especially when attendance is tied to financial penalties.

IIM Jammu is one of the newer members of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management network, launched in 2016 to expand high‑quality management education beyond the traditional hubs. Like many elite campuses, it follows a strict disciplinary framework, but the recent directive marks a rare instance of a direct link between a national political event and campus penalties. Historically, IIMs have allowed students to opt out of political or cultural programs without monetary repercussions, focusing instead on academic performance and professional development.

The controversy arrives at a time when student activism across Indian universities is gaining momentum, with protests over fee hikes, campus safety, and academic freedom making headlines. Critics say the fine could set a precedent for further politicisation of campus life, while administrators argue that participation in national celebrations fosters a sense of civic responsibility. The outcome of this dispute may influence how other institutions handle similar events in the future.

As the deadline for responses approaches, students are reportedly seeking clarification from the institute’s administration while weighing the cost of compliance against their personal convictions. The episode underscores the delicate balance between institutional authority and individual rights within India’s higher‑education landscape.