No dress, alcohol curbs for girls on campus: BHU’s 1st woman proctor

VARANASI: Banaras Hindu University's (BHU) newly appointed chief proctor Royona Singh — the first woman to hold the post in the institute's 101-year-old history — is named after a French town, and is categorical that there should be no restriction on dress and alcohol for female students at BHU, or ban on non-vegetarian food in the messes.

"I was born in Europe. I frequently travel to Europe and Canada. Putting a dressing restriction on girls would be like imposing it on myself. You start your day at 6am and end at 10.30pm, and if you still can't wear what you feel comfortable in, then it is a shame in this era. I find it strange when boys use the words 'skimpily clad'. If a girl feels comfortable in what she wears, what's their objection?" she said.

BHU's new chief proctor Royona Singh, a professor of anatomy at the university's Institute of Medical Sciences, was raised in the French town of Royan for nine years in the 1980s.

She reiterated that the varsity had never imposed any restrictions on women in the past and would not do so in the future. "As far as drinking is concerned, all girls here are above 18, why should we even impose such a thought on them?" she asked.

"As far as I know, in my medical hostel, the diet is vegetarian only if a majority of the girls prefer that. For others, they still have their non-veg on particular days," Singh told TOI.

She regretted the remarks by the warden and security staff to the molestation survivor and her friends that they should not step out of their hostels after 6pm. The incident had led to arson and clashes between BHU students and police, injuring several.

"Girls can move anywhere and at any time. As a chairperson of grievance cell until recently, I have taken up such issues and addressed them to restore the dignity of women. I don't know how the warden said such a thing. We will sensitise guards and wardens on these sensitive topics," said Singh.

She added that she would be introducing a range of stringent measures to keep issues of eve-teasing, rowdyism or display of ostentatious wealth at BHU under check. "We have pillars coming up for CCTV cameras. Big cars and trolleys will not be allowed via thoroughfare.

We have barricading done to ensure bikes don't move fast. We are also cutting branches and twigs on trees to accommodate lights," Singh said. "As far as female issues are concerned, I would be more sensitive. And women would be more comfortable sharing things with a female," she said.