New Delhi, Sept. 8 -- The collapse of a paying guest accommodation in Delhi's Satya Niketan has brought student safety and the shortage of hostel facilities into focus ahead of the Delhi University Students' Union elections. The tragedy has shifted attention from the usual election campaigning and cultural activities to protests and demands for better safety measures. Students have expressed concern over the conditions in which many are forced to live and said that systemic changes are needed to prevent such incidents.
Hostel accommodation remains a major challenge at Delhi University. The university has around 20 hostels for postgraduate students and PhD scholars, while individual colleges also operate hostels. However, the available facilities are not enough to accommodate all students, leaving many dependent on private PGs or rented accommodation. Students coming to Delhi from other states also face the additional financial burden of high PG and rental costs. Finding accommodation that is both affordable and safe has become a particular concern, including for female students.
Student organisations have also made the hostel shortage a key issue. Both ABVP and NSUI have called for an expansion of hostel capacity so that students are less dependent on private accommodation. The Satya Niketan collapse, which occurred shortly before the DUSU elections, has also intensified political activity on campus. ABVP has been holding demonstrations and has called for a protest near the Arts Faculty, demanding accountability and the resignation of the MCD Commissioner.
NSUI has also organised protests, holding the Delhi and Central governments responsible for student safety and accommodation arrangements. Members of both student organisations visited the collapse site and provided assistance. However, they also faced criticism on social media over allegations of making reels and conducting photo shoots during relief operations. The incident has therefore become a prominent issue in the DUSU election campaign, with students and organisations putting greater emphasis on safe accommodation, adequate hostel facilities and accountability.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.