PU trims conditions in girl hostel form

Amid protest by students, the Panjab University authorities have trimmed down the conditions in the declaration form meant for seeking permission from the parents of female hostellers on whether they wish their ward to leave the hostel anytime or not.

A notice in this regard will be issued on Friday, as the university authorities have now decided to tweak the conditions in the form and will just make parents aware about the 24×7 access for the students. “The form will now carry the awareness information about the free movement (day and night) for the female hostellers. The parents will be also informed verbally, and if someone is unable to come here, they will be informed through a video call. So to have their consent that they are aware about no restrictions on hostels’ access for their wards throughout the day and night,” said Professor Amit Chauhan, DSW, PU.

A meeting of all girls hostel representatives was also called in this regard today. “The practice was in existence and was followed by six hostels last year. We called the meeting and after listening to the students…it has been decided to trim down the condition. We just wanted parents to be aware about the facilities here,” added an official.

The form was introduced last year, after the death of an MSc student who was on an outing. Her parents had claimed having no idea about the 24×7 access to the hostels and their ward going outside during the night hours.

Chandigarh