Protests Inside DU Over Hostel Fee Hike, Transport Concession and Sports Fee

The National Students Union of Delhi (NSUI), along with the Delhi University Student Union (DUSU), staged a protest at the university this week, highlighting the rise in hostel fees, absence of free transport facilities within the campus, lack of air condition classrooms and high sports complex fees.

DUSU president Ronak Khatri has threatened a fast unto death and a much bigger protest if the demands do not reach the higher administration of the university. In a formal letter to Vice Chancellor, Professor Yogesh Singh, the Delhi University Student Union has said, “We demand an urgent resolution within 15 days of receiving this letter. Formal directives must be issued to the respective principals, estate officers and provosts of departments concerned, facilities and the colleges to initiate necessary action.”

What Triggered Protests

One of the primary triggers for the protest was a hike of 25% in hostel fees which makes hostels provided by the university unaffordable for a lot of students. This problem can only be solved by the construction of at least 10 new hospitals, particularly near campus colleges. DUSU is also pushing for a Metro concession pass for university students and plans to hold a meeting with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to press for these demands. The students also urged that if necessary actions are not taken, there will be a Vidhan Sabha Gherao.