News Desk: The University of Delhi (DU) has directed college principals, department heads and hostel wardens to conduct comprehensive safety audits across their campuses, with a focus on improving women’s safety. The university has set October 12 as the deadline for submitting detailed reports identifying security gaps and urgent infrastructure requirements.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over women’s safety in Delhi following the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old student in Kalkaji and reports of sexual harassment involving two female students in Mukherjee Nagar. The move also follows protests by women students demanding safer college campuses and public spaces.
In a directive dated October 9, DU Proctor Manoj Kumar Singh asked officials to work with the university’s engineering department to inspect campus infrastructure and take immediate action wherever necessary.
The safety audit will include identifying poorly lit areas and other vulnerable spots, repairing non-functional streetlights, installing CCTV cameras at strategic locations and trimming overgrown trees to improve visibility. Officials have also been asked to identify specific problems affecting women’s safety and recommend appropriate measures.
The university has stressed that urgent repairs should not be delayed and that colleges, departments and hostels must submit detailed inspection reports by October 12.
More police presence and safety measures
Apart from infrastructure improvements, DU has recommended strengthening police deployment around colleges and hostels. The proposed measures include placing dedicated surveillance teams at strategic locations, installing an adequate number of pink police booths and increasing the use of Vamika police vans.
The university has also called for gender-sensitisation workshops to raise awareness among students about women’s safety and respectful behaviour.
Additionally, a seven-day self-defence crash course for students has been recommended in collaboration with the police. The initiative aims to equip students with basic skills to respond to potentially dangerous situations.
The university’s latest directive reflects a broader effort to address safety concerns raised by students and improve security arrangements both inside and around educational institutions.
With the October 12 deadline approaching, college administrations and other officials are expected to complete their inspections, identify shortcomings and submit their findings for further action.
The effectiveness of the measures will depend on how quickly identified problems are addressed and whether the proposed security arrangements are implemented consistently across the university’s colleges, departments and hostels.
Reader Comments 0