Congress slams IIM Jammu for fining students absent from PM’s birthday event
The Indian National Congress has criticized IIM Jammu for threatening to fine students who missed a mandatory lamp-lighting ceremony for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The institute requires medical proof for any absence.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing debate regarding the politicization of academic institutions and the autonomy of students in India.
The Congress on Saturday (September 19, 2026) criticised the notice issued by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu to impose a fine of ₹500 on students who were absent from the lamp-lighting ceremony held on the campus on Thursday (September 17, 2026) to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
“Why should attendance at PM Modi’s birthday celebration be mandatory for students? Is this an academic responsibility at an IIM, or has PM Modi’s publicity been brought onto the campus as a compulsory exercise?” Congress MP and party in-charge of J&K Syed Naseer Hussain said in a post on social media platform X.
IIM Jammu had issued a notice to students who did not attend a “mandatory Deepak Lighting Ceremony held on September 17”, Mr. Hussain said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in