JAIPUR: Male students of Rajasthan University, continued their protest the hostel shutdown on Tuesday and asked the authorities to let them stay. Rajasthan University administration, however, did not accept their demands but gave them one more day to get their reservations for their respective native places done.
Looking at the rising Covid-19 cases in the state and state-wide lockdown, university administration decided to close the hostels on Monday. The students objected to this saying they already deposited the fees and hence should be allowed to stay in the hostels.
ABVP state president Hushyaar Meena said, “We have paid the fees and in most of the hostels students are staying in single rooms with proper social distancing. University administration should understand the plight of those who cannot stay in the hostel despite paying full fees.”
Meanwhile, university administration said that Covid situation is serious, hence they have taken the decision, keeping in mind everyone’s well-being.
Chief proctor HS Palsaniya said, “It is not possible to maintain social distancing as hostels have common mess, halls and washrooms. If even one student gets infected there are chances that others will also be infected, and it can turn into Covid hotspot. So, it is better for students to vacate the premise. We have given them relaxation to get their reservations done and leave.”
There are 19 hostels on the campus and its constituent colleges in which more than 700 students are staying. While many students chose to return home during the weekend lockdown, others have now started the process of vacating. The hostel authorities have ordered sanitisation of the hostels after the students leave.
It is assumed that guest students who have been living in the hostels without permission are involved in this protest, as they know re-entering hostels will be difficult for them.