New Delhi, A Delhi University Executive Council member has sought an emergency meeting of the statutory body to discuss the need for safe and affordable student housing following the collapse of a paying guest accommodation in Satya Niketan.
The university should approach both the Centre and the Delhi government for grants required to build additional housing facilities, he added. It also urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive inspection of privately run hostels and PG accommodations around Delhi University and its colleges to ensure compliance with structural and fire safety regulations. The teachers’ body noted that some measures had already been initiated by the authorities, South Campus colleges and the Delhi University administration. It suggested that the university and college administrations begin wider consultations with elected teachers’ and students’ representatives, particularly to address the concerns of outstation students. The demands come in the wake of the collapse of a multi-storey building in Satya Niketan near Delhi University’s South Campus, which has renewed concerns over the safety of privately operated student accommodations in the area.
“Delhi University, working with its constituent colleges, needs to build up a robust system of safe, affordable and dignified housing facilities including hostels in large numbers in different locations in Delhi,” he said in the letter. Until adequate facilities are created, the university should consider making appropriate arrangements with relevant stakeholders to provide safe and affordable accommodation to students who require it, Dhusiya said.
