BHU forms committee to address issue on hostel accommodation shortage

NEW DELHI: Banaras Hindu University has formed a committee to evaluate and recommend properties outside BHU campus, which are offering accommodation to the students. Although a large number of students stay on campus, not all BHU students get an accommodation and settle for hostels available outside the campus.

The committee members will visit the private hostels, lodges, guest houses, properties and consult their owners. They will further evaluate and inspect aspects like cleanliness, basic amenities, security, surroundings, distance from the university, connectivity, rent and charges, food quality and any other important criteria to make suggestions for accreditation to such premises.

Also Read | BHU extends application deadline for UG course in veterinary science, animal husbandry till January 2

While this process is underway, BHU is currently making alternative arrangements such as converting other buildings into hostels for time being, so as to provide at least some respite to those who need it the most. "The recommendations made by the committee will not be binding on the students and they will be free to pick any accommodation of their choosing," said the BHU statement.

The committee members are- BHU, chairman and advisor, Ramesh Chand; Mahila Mahavidyalaya, hostel coordinator, Seema Tiwari; Visual arts, faculty, Ashish Gupta and Social Sciences, faculty and student advisor, Priyanka Jha.

In a similar case, students at Pondicherry University protested over non-allocation of hostels to various students in early December 2022. According to the Student Federation of India (SFI) only one-third of the students admitted to integrated and PG courses have been allotted hostel rooms this year due to non-completion of renovation work.