AU opens hostels for PG, research scholars of science, tech depts

The Allahabad University (AU) on Wednesday opened hostels for postgraduate students and research scholars of science faculty and technical courses under Unlock 5.0.

An order regarding the same was issued by dean student welfare (DSW) Prof KP Singh after a meeting with superintendents of all hostels.

“At present, hostels have been opened for students and researchers of science faculty and technical classes so that they can continue their teaching work in the laboratory. However, hostels have not been opened for other students,” said Singh.

He said necessary guidelines have also been given to all the superintendents regarding following the Covid-19 norms in the hostels.

The decision bears significance as the varsity had recently witnessed unrest over opening hostels for female students. After the outbreak of corona virus infection, AU administration had suddenly asked all inmates to vacate the hostels. Following this, there were repeated agitations on the campus to reopen these hostels.

On October 15, some girls reached their hostel in hope that they would be allowed entry at hostels under Unlock 5.0. However, when they were declined entry they first tried to seek approval of the varsity authorities and later started an agitation at the VC’s office.

Late that night police had registered a case against five girls and three boys, including former student union president Richa Singh, and sent them to jail. After her release from jail, Richa complained about the incident at different forums including Visitor of the university (President of the country), Prime Minister, Governor, Chief Minister, Union Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission (UGC), National Commission for Women and Human Rights Commission.

Meanwhile, student leaders have demanded that hostels should be opened for all inmates.

“For the time-being, even the research scholars of Arts and PG students of subjects like Geography, Psychology etc (which have lab work) should be permitted to stay in hostels,” demanded Ajay Kumar Yadav, a student leader.

At present, hostels have been opened for students and researchers of science faculty and technical classes so that they can continue their teaching work in the laboratory.

PROF KP SINGH , student welfare

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