Hansraj College students protest fest curbs, 'authoritarian functioning'

NEW DELHI: Several students of Hansraj College staged a protest on Saturday, alleging arbitrary restrictions and denial of institutional support for activities by the administration. Protestors, including the elected students' union, Students' Federation of India and various societies, gathered on the campus to express their resentment over an order limiting the college fest to conclude before 6 pm.

Addressing the gathering, SFI Hansraj Unit Secretary Srijan criticised the administration's approach, stating that students would continue to resist what he described as "authoritarian functioning".

The protestors claimed the directive reflected "double standards", pointing out that a recent private function held on campus premises continued late into the night.

"The protest opposes the administration's arbitrary order restricting the college fest to end before 6 pm, despite the principal's son's wedding continuing late into the night on campus grounds," a statement released by the students' union said. The demonstrators also alleged that the administration had declined approval for artist invitations for the fest, failed to release promised funds, and did not allocate adequate spaces for participating societies.

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Hansraj College fest curbs

An official from Hansraj College told PTI that the college has no problems with the fest and has already sought permission from the DU proctor's office and informed the police of the relevant permissions as well.

"The student advisory committee is all for arranging a fest, and the dates have been finalised as April 8-9. The only thing we have told the students is that they are not allowed to invite any celebrities or famous artists, as that might lead to crowd management issues," the official said, adding that Hansraj College has about 7,000 students and if celebrities are invited, even more students might turn up, leading to security concerns.

Student leaders, however, further claimed that assurances regarding greater autonomy for the students' union, made during a previous protest, had not been fulfilled. SFI Hansraj Unit President Ishika and Students' Union President Abhijit Singh were among the protestors. The protesters said the agitation would continue until their demands are addressed.