The Delhi Technical University (DTU) has extended the curfew time for girl’s hostel to make it a par with the boys’ hostel after the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) had issued a notice to the university over the discriminatory rules.
The girls’ hostel had a curfew of 9 p.m. while the boys’ hostel had a curfew of 11 p.m. The university had cited safety concerns as the reason behind the difference in timings.
Objecting to such discriminatory rules, DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal had issued a notice to the DTU asking for an amendment in the rules.
‘Discriminatory rules’
After receiving the notice from the DCW, a wardens’ council meeting was held. Subsequently, the DTU announced that the curfew for girls would be extended to 11 p.m. with effect from the current session.
In its reply to the DCW, the university said: “Based on the recommendation of the warden council, DTU has decided to extend the girls’ hostel timing up to 11 p.m. on the DTU campus from the coming academic session, tentatively.”
Focusing on gender equality and safety of women on campus, Ms. Maliwal said, “It is not fair to put the onus of security on girls and discriminate against them. If there are security concerns, the university, the DCW and the police should work together.”
Ms. Maliwal has also written to the Delhi Police highlighting security concerns raised by the university.
“I urge the police to make the environment around the campus safe so that girls feel free to go out at any time of the day,” wrote Ms. Maliwal.
