Panjab University students on day-night protest against fee hike

Bhawanjot Kaur, a student pursuing an MPhil in the Department of Philosophy at PU and a presidential candidate for the Panjab University Student Council (PUSC) elections from SFS, highlighted the students’ demands, which also include an inquiry into corruption charges against former Vice Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar. Protestors are also calling for stricter action against increasing eve-teasing and the continued spreading of ‘gedi’ culture on the campus. Underlining the importance of Panjab University Committee Against Sexual Harassment (PUCASH), Kaur pointed out the need for decentralization and extension of the committee.

The fee is set to be raised by 7.5% in the upcoming syndicate meeting on March 25th. Kaur stressed that students are concerned that with a continuous fee hike, authorities are marching towards the privatization of education.

Regarding hostel allocation, students are demanding transparency and for allotments not to be subject to any political obligation. They are also calling for hostels to be given to all scholars irrespective of any guides’ reference or political interference. Protestors want authorities to start online allotment from the next session and to run a trial so that they can get some assurance.

Students are also protesting against the closure of canteens and English hut. The English department Camteen called ‘Hut’ has been closed since lockdown, and students are facing problems during breaks. Protestors have given memorandums to departments regarding the opening of their canteens, and students from different departments are also joining the protest.

Ayush Khatkar, the President of the PUSC, said that the authorities have been presented with demands for the reopening of canteens, tuck shops, and Indian Coffee House. He plans to speak out against the fee increase in the senate meeting and protest in the upcoming syndicate meeting.

The day-night protest is ongoing, and the protesters are urging other student parties to join them for student welfare. As a protester put it, “The dharna is open to everyone, for we are fighting for the welfare of all the students regardless of their party affiliations.”