Representational purpose. (File photo)
The women students at Delhi University’s Rajiv Gandhi Hostel for Girls (RGHG) on Wednesday raised slogans and protested against the curbs imposed by university hostels that prohibit them from leaving premises on Holi.
The notice dated March 2 issued by the section officer stated that the residents of the hostel that visitors would not be allowed on Holi. The students have been asked to stay inside hostels. They could only step out after 6 p.m. “Residents can only go out after 6pm on 8th March. No guests/visitors will be allowed on the day of the Holi festival,” stated the notice. While the notice has been issued to girls and boys both, but the hostel management is a little more protective, said DU Proctor Rajni Abbi, underscoring that such notice is sent every year.
Talking to the Indian Express, Abbi said: “This is nothing new… If students want to go somewhere, they can give an undertaking that they are going on their own responsibility. It cannot be that students want the protection of the hostel and their independence as well…”
“Holi day can bring trouble sometimes. As a preventive measure, hostel administrators take some steps every year. Since women were protesting, we have told them that they can call their local guardians and go out with them or give an undertaking that they are taking their own responsibility,” said Abbi.
Students at RGHG complex raised slogans on Wednesday afternoon and alleged that the gates of the hostel were locked to stop students from stepping out. The said that they were being confined to hostels on the International Women’s Day, which coincides with the Holi festival this year.
As per media reports, students have been warned against disciplinary action if they didn’t sign the undertaking. They have been asked to submit details of family members and contact numbers.
On Tuesday night, the students held a march inside the complex. Theyalleged that gates of neighbouring hostels were locked to stop other hostellers from joining them.
-INDIA NEWS STREAM