Girl hostellers allege curfew-like curbs at tech varsity, write to Guv

Female students of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, have alleged discriminatory approach of the university authorities by imposing restrictive hostel timings on them.

In a letter written to the Haryana Governor, the girl students alleged that they are being locked inside hostels at 6 pm and are allowed to go out at 6.30 am.

Meeting called to discuss issue, says VC

Prof Shree Prakash Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, said the girl hostel timings had not been changed, but they were being maintained as per the earlier practice. The security of all students, especially girls, is priority for the university, he added. No girl student is restricted from going for research work or library. They can go after taking permission from the Chief Warden and respective hostel wardens, the VC said. "A special meeting has been called over this issue. I have directed Chief Warden, Chief Security Officer, Dean Student Welfare Officer (DSWO), all hostel wardens to resolve the issue at the earliest," he added.

In the letter, signed by over 200 students, the girls said the excessively long period of closure of the hostels not only restricts their movement, but also reflects the university’s regressive and discriminatory approach towards female students. As per the university administration, the girl hostels close at 6 pm and reopen at 6.30 am.

Such “curfew-like” restriction is inconsistent with the principles of gender equality and women empowerment, they added.

The students said the hostel timings had adversely impacted their academic and personal growth as they were not able to attend evening academic sessions, seminars and project discussions, many of which extend beyond 6 pm.

“The timing restriction also prevents us from participating in extracurricular and cultural activities organised in the evening, which also limits our overall development,” the letter read.

Female sportspersons are the worst affected, as they are not able to practice in the evening and preparations for inter-university events are generally held after sunset, they claimed. The existing rule makes it nearly impossible for them to train effectively, which impacts their fitness, performance and competitive participation.

The girls also alleged that other universities in the state maintain more flexible hostel timings for female students, usually up to 10 pm, while ensuring safety through proper security measures.

They further alleged that there are no proper security arrangements on the university campus. Scores of people in their private vehicles enter the university premises any time and no proper frisking system was in place, they claimed.

There were no CCTV cameras installed in the university and proper security arrangements are also lacking, the students alleged.

Seeking the Governor’s intervention in the matter, they demanded that the university administration should be directed to revise the hostel timings in line with modern academic and social needs.