MU notice to student for bringing hostel issues out into open; student cites ‘rights’
The action according to the varsity’s letter has been taken as per the disciplinary rules of hostel accommodation in Mumbai University which do not allow students to speak to media or police or even take any complaint to varsity authorities.
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The disciplinary rules cited in the letter sent to the student in question, Siddhant Shinde, read —"No student can speak directly to the press or the police. (File Photo)A student pursuing masters in Economics from Mumbai University, who is also resident of Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Boys’ Hostel in the varsity’s Kalina campus, has received a show-cause notice from his hostel warden for speaking out on hostel issues outside the campus.
The action according to the varsity’s letter has been taken as per the disciplinary rules of hostel accommodation in Mumbai University which do not allow students to speak to media or police or even take any complaint to varsity authorities.
The disciplinary rules cited in the letter sent to the student in question, Siddhant Shinde, read —”No student can speak directly to the press or the police. And no student can take any complaint directly to varsity authorities such as vice chancellors, pro–vice chancellor or registrar. They have to submit it through respective hostel wardens.”
The letter also claims that Shinde has maligned the university’s name by doing so. However, in response, Shinde said, “By not making arrangements for basic facilities for hostel residents such as adequate food and water, the varsity administration has already maligned its image. And now they are holding me responsible for it because I raised my voice against issues which all of us hostel–residents are struggling with,” said Shinde, adding that this was unconstitutional.
He said, “The varsity cannot impose these rules on me. As an Indian citizen I have all the right to approach the press or police if I have any complaint. Furthermore, the VC, Pro-VC and registrar are the highest authorities for the varsity; we as students should have the opportunity to reach them with our issues.”
Shinde has also been speaking out against several issues in hostels of Mumbai University’s Kalina campus, starting from poor quality of food served in the hostel messes and canteens, not having the facility of food on the second half of Sundays which compels students to go out to eat, and girls hostel running without a mess for almost a year now, among all.
Mumbai University administration was unavailable for the comment.
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