DU’s Rajiv Gandhi Girls’ Hostel Students Protest Rs 1,000 Water Cooler Charge, Mid-Session Fee Hike | Education and Career News
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SFI DU stated that, as a public central university, the institution bears the responsibility of providing affordable and accessible hostel facilities to its students.
A dissent note signed by several academics warned of “significant academic implications” arising from this clause. (File Photo)
Administration asks students to pay Rs 1000 for using water coolers inside accommodations at the Delhi University’s Rajiv Gandhi Girls’ Hostel where protests yesterday emerged against the revision in fee and arbitrarily imposition of an undue financial burden upon the students.
The Students Federation of India (SFI DU) has extended its support to the movement led by the hostel’s residents. According to SFI DU, the hostel administration has demanded an additional fee of Rs 11,000 from students in the midst of the ongoing academic session -despite the students having already paid their fees.
Furthermore, students have been warned that they may be required to vacate the hostel during examinations if they stay for a few extra days in June. The organisation points out that many students are compelled to stay for a few additional days due to research and academic requirements.
SFI DU stated that, as a public central university, the institution bears the responsibility of providing affordable and accessible hostel facilities to its students. However, instances of mismanagement and administrative negligence within the hostel administration are surfacing with increasing frequency. Prior to this, students at the Miranda House Hostel and the UHW had also staged protests regarding similar issues.
The organisation has alleged that the university hostels are being turned into a means of generating profit, a practice that disproportionately affects economically vulnerable students. SFI DU has demanded that the fee hike be immediately revoked and that affordable accommodation for students be recognised as a fundamental right, rather than being treated as a special privilege.
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