No proper system in place to identify students at MSU boys’ hostels

Now,with the resignation of chief warden D P Bharambe,the situation has only worsened. At present,there are just class four level attendants at the girls’ and boys’ hostels,who are not trained in any security service. Besides,the wardens also refuse to come to the hostel due to the meagre House Rent Allowance they are given.

According to hostel authorities,the boys’ hostel campus is widespread and it requires at least eight securitymen for supervision. But there is just one securityman to stand guard at night,with the result that there has been a rise in illegal activities and also sandalwood theft in the campus.

When asked about the worsening state of MSU Halls of Residence,Vice-Chancellor Prof Ramesh Goyal said: “I agree that there is a problem with the Halls of Residence administration. Now,a new chief warden has to be appointed. Most of the wardens are not willing to take charge due to the meagre House Rent Allowance.”

He added: “A few months ago,we had asked the wardens to keep tabs on those hostels,which had no wardens. But the idea did not work out.”

At present,Bharambe is still in charge although he has resigned from his post. The reason being that June is the peak month of admissions into the hostel.

Bharambe said,“I am in charge for the time being.”

About the security,he said: “There is no alternative; we do not have the money. Keeping good security would mean recruiting eight security guards alone at the boys’ hostel campus,but where will we get their salaries from?”

When asked as to what is being done to keep tabs on students and to identify them,he said,“We have attendants to identify them.”

About the post of wardens,he said: “There is not much willingness. In fact,there are temporary lecturers who are holding charge of warden at the polytechnic campus. The hostel includes the N V Hall,N M Hall and the M V Hall.”

Now,cactus to ward off unwelcome guests at MSU

M S UNIVERSITY (MSU) has taken yet another step to improve security on the campus. But this time,they have opted for bio-fencing using cactus and bougainvillea in the first phase,and plants that induce allergy,in the second phase. The project is being handled by the Department of Botany,which will grow the saplings and then plant them along the stretch from the railway station corner to Kalaghoda near the Faculty of Commerce. Later,authorities plan to take up this project along the entire campus once they succeed on this stretch. Prof Arun Arya,MSU Head of Botany Department said: “We have got 2,500 saplings of opuntia and bougainvillea. The drive begins from Monday. This is the first phase; in the second phase we will include plants that induce allergy. We would not like to disclose the names as of now.”

He added: “Besides,we will also take up plantation of Tecoma,bottle brush and legrasromia,commonly known as the Pride of India. The drive will be continued throughout the monsoon season.”