Locked washrooms, not enough toilets: What students at Fergusson College face after 6pm in Pune

Pratishtha, a third year student, said, “I have faced this problem a lot of times because the library is usually open till 8pm but the washrooms are shut by 6pm. My friends and I are left with no other option but to go to Starbucks just to use the washroom in case of an emergency.”

The washroom stalls outside the Anna Canteen remained locked. So were those at the media canteen, JRV Guidance and Training Institute and all department buildings. In the entire campus which comprises several institutes, the only washroom all guards pointed to was the one in the main building.

When The Indian Express visited it, there was a queue of four girl students. “We are associated with the theatre of the college and our practice sessions go well beyond 6pm. This is the only washroom in the entire campus that we can use,” said one of them. “Sometimes, even this is locked and we have to look for a guard who opens it for us and locks it again after use,” pitched in another student. Because so many people use it, this washroom gets quite dirty, they added.

Sakshi, an arts student, said, “This is a very big issue, especially for girls who are on their periods. During fest hours, many girls face issues because of the locked washroom and eventually, they refuse to stay late and work. Many a times, I have skipped doing my work unwillingly just because of this issue.”

Firodia Law College had open toilets as there was an evening lecture going on. (Express Photo)

Students with disabilities suffer even more. “Sometimes washrooms are not open even during morning hours, so people with disabilities, who need to use wheelchairs, have to roam around to find a suitable washroom,” said Grishma, a design student. “As I have a ligament issue, I have faced this problem many times. I need to go to the EVS department and sometimes, other departments don’t allow students from different departments even if you are wearing a college ID,” said Grishma.

Firodia Law College had open toilets as there was an evening lecture going on. Out of five, one washroom was open on the fourth floor of Jindal College of Nursing and that too without any functional bulbs. After much walking, one can find a washroom stall inside the IMDR canteen. However, most guards nor students know about the facility.

Principal of Fergusson College Nitin Kulkarni said, “A video was circulated about this matter recently but it is actually two to three years old. When it was brought to attention back then, new washrooms like those near the canteen were constructed. The boys hostel washrooms are open to men and the ladies hostel washrooms for women even late evening. In case the canteen washrooms are found locked, students can ask security guards to open them because they have the keys.”