Soon, 24-hour helpline for Panjab University female students

CHANDIGARH: On Monday, the Panjab University committee, formed to look into the issues related to the implementation of the 24x7 open girls’ hostel, discussed the recommendation that a register should be maintained for the entry and exit of students. The committee is now exploring the possibility of setting up a helpline that works round the clock to strengthen the security management inside campus.

“A meeting of the committee, headed by Prof Navdeep Goyal, formed by senate on December 15 regarding the 24-hour open girls’ hostel, was conducted today. The points noted according to the circular were resolved in the meeting. Also, a helpline will be set up specifically for female students facing harassment issues in the campus. This helpline will be accessible 24 hours to strengthen the security management inside campus,” said Kanupriya, Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) president.

Senate member Satya Pal Jain recommended in the meeting that university should set up an emergency helpline for students as well. The committee will meet at regular intervals to ensure proper implementation of the 24x7 open girls’ hostel.

On December 15 last year, the senate had given a nod to the demand for 24x7 open girls’ hostel on the condition that the students going out after 11pm will have to make an entry in a mobility register, which would be maintained by the hostels. The students’ had protested for 48 days before the senate took the decision.

The senate meeting also saw a committee being formed under the chairmanship of senator Navdeep Goyal. Following a three-and-a-half-hour long discussion, the senate members had decided that the practice of charging fine for late entry of girls will be abolished at all hostels. Since the protest was meant to end gender discrimination, the same rule will be applied to boys’ hostels as well.