2 yrs on, DU awaits Rs 272 cr for Nirbhaya Fund project
Tribune Exclusive: Was approved by ministry for women’s safety at Delhi University
A major women’s safety and accommodation project at Delhi University, approved under the Nirbhaya Fund, is yet to see the light of the day owing to non-release of funds by the Centre, reveals official documents accessed through RTI.
In 2024, the Women and Child Development Ministry had approved Rs 272 crore for the construction of residential accommodation for working women and girls pursuing higher education at the university under Nirbhaya Fund. This also included a significant allocation of Rs 72 crore for the installation of CCTV cameras. The initiative was to take off in two phases, comprising two hostels with 500 accommodations each.
However, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), in its RTI reply, confirmed that despite the approval, “the funds have not been released.”
It further stated that “an amount of Rs 272 crore was appraised by the Empowered Committee on March 12, 2024 for the construction of accommodation and installation of safety devices, including CCTV cameras, for female students and working women within the campus of Delhi University under the Nirbhaya Fund project. However, the funds have not been released.”
The DU, in a RTI reply, reiterated that it has not received any funds so far. “At present, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has not released any grant so far for the construction activity, hence information cannot be provided,” it said.
Meanwhile, DU Registrar Vikas Gupta told The Tribune that discussions around the project had been positive, but clarity on fund disbursal remains lacking.
“The discussion was in a positive direction, but immediately I am not able to recall whether the funds have been released or what the current status is. However, the university has started the construction of two hostels,” he said.
The delay raises concerns over the implementation of the Nirbhaya Fund project aimed at strengthening safety and infrastructure for women. The proposed facilities at Delhi University were expected to address the growing demand for secure accommodation for female students and working women.
“The government’s inaction on releasing Nirbhaya Fund amount shows a complete disregard for women’s safety. Announcements mean nothing if funds never reach the ground,” said DUSU Vice-President Rahul Jhansla Yadav.
