Post violence, stringent curfew timings making life difficult for hostellers

In the aftermath of the violence at Ramjas College in Delhi University’s North Campus, restrictions on time and freedom of movement imposed on the hostellers – especially female students – have made many students uncomfortable.

The University’s girl hostellers expressed their discontent with the curfew timings and said that their basic sense of freedom and right to choice are being curbed.

Several colleges at DU have witnessed lengthy campaigns in the past where women students have demanded parity with male students, especially in terms of hostel curfews, moral policing and more transparency in their hostel’s functioning.

“Curfew timings differ in all colleges. Some hostels close at 8.30 pm, while some extend the timings up to 10 pm. We can’t say that one hostel is better than the other because, ultimately, we are being locked up,” said a second year student from Miranda House college.

Miranda House has a curfew time of 7.30 pm for students present in the hostel premises and 8:30 for students coming back to the hostel. Ramjas College has a deadline varying between 8 pm and 9 pm, while Khalsa College has a curfew time varying between 6.30 pm and 7 pm. has

Such constricting curfew timings have made life difficult for all students.

Many female students claim that the authorities’ approach is very orthodox and the students’ sufferings are indescribable.

The timing constraints, students say, has a negative impact on their ability to study and/or work, as they are unable to avail facilities, such as going to the library which is open till 10 pm, being a part of cultural societies and clubs etc.

Students alleged that they are not allowed to enter late even when they have to attend college festivals. Rather, they are told to leave college fests and concerts halfway to reach before the curfew timings. Moreover, night delivery of food becomes difficult due to varying deadlines of the hostels.

Kawalpreet Kaur, president, All India Students Association, said: “Girl students have to follow particular timings and their night-outs are noted. If they ask for extra night outs, hundreds of questions are raised. If someone enters even 10 minutes later, the warden calls up their parents to tell them all sorts of obscene lies.”

“They are not five-year-old kids, and should be given their freedom and space,” Kaur added.