Senators: How can we ensure safety of girls with Rs100 fine?

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 15

As soon as the Panjab University (PU) Senate proceeded to discuss agenda items on Saturday, Senators voiced their concern over protesting students. They called to take up students’ issues first, which included abolishing fines for late entry of girls in hostels and relaxation in hostel timings.

On imposing of fine for late entry of women students, Senator Vicky Gill said, “Can we ensure security of girls in return of Rs 100 fine?” Senator IS Chadha said, “I am questioning the wisdom behind fine. How can we ensure security in return of fine?”

During the discussion on 24/7 opening of girls’ hostels, Senator Ajay Ranga said it was a clash of two ideologies. “Kanupriya is from one ideology and the VC is from another.” VC Prof Raj Kumar refrained him from mentioning it.

Angry debate was witnessed when the VC was pressing for making all nine members of the students’ council members of the committee formed to implement the round-the-clock opening of girls’ hostels. Vicky Gill and Senator Dr Subhash Sharma clashed over it. Finally, the VC had to agree on including only four office-bearers.

Senator Rabindernath Sharma supported abolishing fines and relaxing hostel restrictions. Prof Chaman Lal said hostel restrictions should be equally applicable over boys and girls.

Former Vice-Chancellor RP Bambah suggested for taking in writing from girls that they should be solely responsible for their actions outside the university.

Panjab University Teachers’ Association (PUTA) president Prof Rajesh Gill said, “Times have changed. If we suppress it today, it will be raised again. We need to initiate a dialogue.”

PUTA Secretary Prof JK Goswamy suggested employing technology to tell parents when their ward is outside hostel. However, city BJP president Sanjay Tandon took a different view. “We can’t implement the American system here. Even paying guest (PG) accommodations in Chandigarh have restrictions. There shouldn’t be any political motive behind the demands.”

Prof Rajat Sandhir said parents were worried about the safety of their children. Prof Pam Rajput said, “The Senate could recommend and nominate the students’ president could be nominated to the Senate. Students’ representation should be ensured in the PUCASH also.”

WHEN WILL PU GO PAPERLESS?:

Every Panjab University Senator carries a 2000-paper set for his/her meeting. One of the senior Senators, Prof Keshav Malhotra, said the university authorities had been providing a huge bundle of papers to each of the 91 Senators, using approximately 1,82,000 papers for one sitting. 

Photo: Pradeep Tewari