The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) on Tuesday staged a protest at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) to oppose the university’s hostel policy. The protesters demanded the opening of Boys’ Hostel No. 10 and the provision of hostel accommodation for all students.
NSUI warned the administration that if every student doesn’t receive hostel accommodation, the protest will intensify. Students deserve both education and shelter, and NSUI will continue its struggle through democratic and determined means, read the letter.
The protesters claimed that, following the protest, the university administration issued an assurance letter stating that the demands are under consideration. However, the letter failed to mention the specific demands raised, which students criticised as vague and inadequate.
"Refusing hostel accommodation to deserving students is nothing short of infringing upon their fundamental right to education. This is grossly unjust, and we strongly oppose it. Every student at the university must be provided with a hostel, or this movement will escalate into a more intense, widespread and decisive struggle," said Akshay Kamble, Secretary, NSUI.
“It is truly shameful that every year, so many female students are forced to drop out of education simply because they are denied hostel accommodation,” said Sushmita Harne, a student.
"Denying hostel accommodation to students pursuing postgraduate education for the second time — does this amount to treating them as second-class citizens? This is the direct question students are now posing to the university administration. It is a tragic situation when a student, in the pursuit of education, is left without a roof over their head. If the administration fails to act promptly on this issue, there is no doubt that the movement will intensify further,” said Siddhant Jambhulkar, a representative of NSUI.
Meanwhile, speaking to The Free Press Journal, Prof. Dr. Rajendra Ghode, Additional Hostel Head (Boys) & Prof. Dr. Sonia Nagarale, Chief Hostel Head (Additional Charge), Savitribai Phule Pune University, said, "The university administration is positive regarding the demands that have been made regarding hostel-related issues. Although the university administration is making efforts to fulfil the related demands as soon as possible, NSUI should withdraw the agitation.”
NSUI’s demands:
- Students pursuing a second postgraduate degree are being unfairly denied hostel access.
- Hostel No. 10, completed two years ago, is still not operational due to administrative delays.
- The access road remains incomplete, and essential facilities like water tanks are yet to be installed.
