Soon, UP students in Delhi can get affordable hostel facilities — built by state govt
The UP govt has allocated Rs 5 crore in its annual budget. The move is expected to benefit thousands of students who move to the national capital every year for college.
For thousands of students from Uttar Pradesh studying in colleges in Delhi and the National Capital Region, affordable housing may soon become easier to find, as the state government has earmarked Rs 5 crore to construct hostels in the2026-27 Budget.
According to officials, the proposed facilities are expected to provide safe, affordable and organised housing exclusively for students from Uttar Pradesh who travel to Delhi-NCR for higher education and to prepare for competitive examinations.
Officials also said the initiative underscores the government’s intent to extend institutional support to students studying in one of the country’s major education hubs.
The lack of hostels and lack of seats in hostels has plagued colleges in Delhi University as well as Jawaharlal Nehru University for years now, with a majority of students coming from outside the city to study forced to seek accommodation in paying guest facilities or in rented flats.
As of 2019, only 20 DU colleges were offering hostel facilities.
According to the UP budget document, Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for construction of hostels in the current financial year.
Officials informed that the government will first identify suitable land available in the NCR for the project. Following this, detailed guidelines will be prepared to determine the eligibility criteria for students who can apply for accommodation in these hostels.
The move is expected to bring relief to both students as well as parents.
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Students from the state migrate to Delhi-NCR in large numbers every year. The planned hostels are expected to reduce their dependence on private housing, lower living costs and help them focus better on their academic and career goals.
The Indian Express has earlier reported that in Delhi University, space has been the biggest issue when it comes to building hostels.
This even as the Delhi University Act, 1922, recognised the need for students to stay in or near the campus. Section 33 states, “Every student of the University (other than a student who pursues a course of study by correspondence) shall reside in a College a Hall, or under such conditions as may be prescribed by the Ordinances.”
Mental health policy proposed
To address growing concerns over stress and emotional well-being among students, the UP government has also decided to introduce a ‘Student Mental Health and Wellness Policy’ across its universities and colleges to build a healthier and more supportive campus ecosystem.
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An amount of Rs 14.50 crore, under the higher education head, has been earmarked for the initiative in the 2026-27 Budget.
According to the Budget provisions, the allocation will be used to operationalise the policy across higher education institutions by strengthening counselling services, promoting mental health awareness and putting in place support systems for students.
Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development.
Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity.
Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling. By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read More
