Women security guards take charge at BHU
VARANASI: Seven women have been appointed as security guards at the Banaras Hindu University, in a first at the centuryold institute which was rocked by violence last month during a students’ protest against alleged sexual harassment on campus.
The baton-charge by male police personnel on protesting students had sparked nationwide outrage, and put the spotlight on lack of security for women at the sprawling campus in PM Narendra Modi’s constituency.
The varsity reopened on Tuesday after an extended Dusherra holiday, announced a day after the violence on September 24.
Royana Singh, the first woman chief proctor of the varsity, told HT on Wednesday that seven women guards have been appointed and “28 more will join soon”.
The BHU administration constituted the all-woman squad on the suggestion of district magistrate Yogeshwar Ram Mishra.
BHU vice-chancellor Girish Chandra Tripathi, accused of mishandling the situation during the protests, went on leave recently, less than two months before his retirement. Tripathi also faced allegations of bias, a charge he denies.
Singh said the newly appointed security guards underwent motivational and security training at the UP Ex-Servicemen Welfare Board. They have been deployed at Mahila Maha Vidyalaya on the BHU premises. They will keep a vigil on visitors and also on the roads leading to the women’s hostels, she added.
Male security personnel will be on standby for emergencies.