Panjab University concerned over illegal hostel inmates

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 17

Amid the increasing number of Covid-19 cases, the Panjab University authorities have shot off a letter to its wardens asking them to stop ineligible students from staying at hostel rooms without permission.

A circular stated: “It has been reported that students, who have not been allowed to stay in the hostels due to Covid-19 are opening and entering rooms. The committee constituted for the reopening of Panjab University hostels has not allowed all residents to stay at hostels. As you are already aware that only PhD research scholars and final-semester postgraduate students (having lab work and others) are allowed to stay in the hostels, therefore, no other resident should be allowed to enter the hostels. Wardens are advised to look into the matter and comply with the orders strictly.”

This circular was issued by the Dean Student Welfare (DSW) on April 16.

The orders came at a time when many students’ political parties have started demanding opening of campus. “The students, who had locked their rooms, have been coming to Panjab University and staying here. This was observed by some wardens, who then informed the higher authorities. Amid increase in the number of cases, the authorities have already limited the number of hostel residents and the students should also follow the rules,” said a PU official.

Protest against closing of library

A day after the Panjab University authorities decided to shut AC Joshi Library following weekend lockdown by the UT Administration, students in the library protested against the decision. Later, library authorities retracted the order from “till further orders” to till April 18. Students later agreed and lifted their spontaneous protest.