Maharashtra Assembly Monsoon Session: Opposition Raises Alarm Over Poor Living Conditions At Mumbai University's Cama Girls Hostel; Govt Denies Lapses

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Tuesday saw a heated discussion over the alleged poor living conditions at the Mumbai University’s Madam Cama Girls Hostel in Churchgate. A group of opposition MLAs voiced concern for the safety and well-being of over 120 girl students residing in the facility.

During the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Assembly, senior legislators including Vijay Wadettiwar, Aslam Shaikh, Nana Patole and Amit Patel tabled a starred question demanding answers from the Minister of Higher and Technical Education. They highlighted issues reportedly faced by students, such as a non-functional canteen, lack of drinking water, broken infrastructure and inadequate supervision.

The MLAs raised specific allegations, including that only one non-functional cooler and two fans were available in a seven-storey building, the warden was present only for two hours daily, and that student complaints had gone unaddressed despite a legislative visit to the hostel.

Minister Chandrakant Patil Responds To Allegations

In response, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil dismissed the allegations and asserted that the hostel meets all necessary standards. He informed the Assembly that the hostel receives 25,000 litres of water daily from the BMC and is equipped with four water coolers and 32 functioning fans. The canteen, he clarified, was shut for only 10 days due to unavoidable circumstances and is now fully operational.

Addressing infrastructure concerns, Patil admitted to a minor ceiling leak caused by a bathroom issue on the second floor but assured that repairs were completed immediately. He said ongoing maintenance work is being carried out and any scrap material has been secured in designated storage rooms.

Patil Assures 24x7 Security & Support Staff

On the matter of supervision, Patil claimed that a full-time superintendent, security guards and support staff are present 24x7 at the facility to assist the students. He also rejected the charge that the department had not acted on legislative feedback.

Patil insisted the hostel is well-maintained, adequately staffed and functioning smoothly, stating, “The question of inaction or delay does not arise.”

However, opposition members remained unconvinced, urging the government to conduct regular inspections and establish stronger grievance redressal mechanisms to ensure students' safety and comfort. The debate has once again spotlighted the conditions of student hostels in the state, prompting calls for greater accountability.

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