DCW tells Hindu College to reduce hostel fees for girls

Tribune News Service 

New Delhi, May 26

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has written to the principal of Hindu College recommending that the fees for the girls' hostel be reduced and kept at par with that of boys with immediate effect.

In the matter, the DCW has also written to the University Grants Commission (UGC) asking it to consider the requests of the college regarding sanctioning of grants for the girls' hostel.

The Commission had issued a notice to the college principal following a representation from students of the college regarding high fee structure and discriminatory rules for girls in the newly-constructed 200-room hostel.

In a reply to the DCW, the college explained that the fees for girls' hostel are on the higher side as it has been as it had received no assistance from the UGC for its construction while the boys' hostel was built with UGC funding and receives an annual grant of Rs 60 lakh for maintenance.

“While the Commission appreciates the need of funds of the college we also believe that the stand of the college in the present matter of fixing higher fee for girls is highly improper and discriminatory,” DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal said.

Thus, the DCW pointing out that the college has made several attempts to get funds for the girls' hostel, but to no avail, as informed by the college it suggested the UGC to consider the requests of the college regarding sanctioning of grants for the hostel. It also recommended it to direct the college to bring the fees of the hostel at par with that of boys’.

“As you may appreciate, all stakeholders should make constant endeavours to facilitate equal opportunities for both boys and girls and moreover, promote the cause of greater outreach of higher education for women and girls,” Maliwal's letter to the UGC read.