Ban(e) or boon?

Manpriya Singh 

To ban or not to ban! The mere thought of cars out of campus has the students line-up on two opposing sides of the fence. In the din of those of screaming ‘whaaat’ and others exclaiming ‘wow’, let’s hear it out from those in there...

But before that, a brief recapitulation. More than 50 per cent Panjab University students are in favour of a four-wheeler-free campus. During a referendum conducted by the university during the Panjab University Campus Student Council elections last week, as many as 53.2 per cent voted in favour of a ban on students’ vehicles while 46.8 per cent (2,916 students) voted in favour of entry of students’ vehicles in the academic areas of the North campus. That’s some statistics to be taken seriously and debated upon. 

Ban does not make sense

I was deeply shocked to read in the newspaper about Panjab University’s plan on banning four wheelers. Though at every gate there is security but they should regularly check the ID cards of the students so that there is no scope for outsiders entering. Those who come for some work in the administrative block should either park their vehicles outside or should be given a one hour pass. Rather than banning the vehicles, alternate measures should be taken. Especially research scholars should not be bothered with such a thing as they need to constantly move to and fro because of research work. If we aren’t allowed to bring our cars inside the campus then how do they expect us to reach the campus? In the 21st century everyone has their own mode of conveyance, it is impossible to manage each and every student through shuttle service or e-rickshaw. This facility might be beneficial for hostellers but not for day-scholars. 

Amreen Sekhon,  Ph.D Research Scholar, Psychology Department