Lily*, an undergraduate student from Nagaland, sought hostel admission in a city college for three years but was refused each time.
She thinks it is because of her ethnicity. Despite the notable fact that Chennai provides a safer and more comfortable environment than other metros, students from the northeast face difficulties in the city when it comes to finding accommodation.
Wapangtoshi, president of North East India Welfare Association, Chennai, says students from the northeast come to the city in large numbers because an education here gives them more exposure. “But finding accommodation, especially on college premises, is often challenging,” he says.
A year ago, G’nie Fanai, a student from Mizoram relocating to Chennai from Bangalore, found himself the victim of a housing-related fraud. After paying Rs. 15,000 as security deposit, he was promised a well-maintained house but was given a small, unfurnished room.
“They think we’re foreigners,” says Mina*, an undergraduate student who grew up in Guwahati. “There have been times when I’ve been called ‘Chinky’ by people in my area, and I’ve had to offer to show my voter’s ID to prove I am Indian. It makes us insecure,” says Joyce*, another student.
Bernard D’Sami, professor at Loyola College and an expert on migration trends, says, “Students from the northeast come to the city in large numbers for higher education. They usually enrol in courses like political science and history. It is difficult to admit more of them in hostels as it will create an imbalance with the local students.”
(*Names have been changed on request)
The students face difficulties in finding college hostel accommodation