Delhi LG Chairs High-Level Meeting on DU Women's College Safety
LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu meets DU women's college principals to address safety issues like patrolling, lighting, and last-mile connectivity.
In a major push to bolster the security of female students, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review safety and security measures in and around the campuses of University of Delhi (DU) women's colleges. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Vice-Chancellor of DU, senior Delhi Police officials, and representatives from the MCD and PWD, to address a long list of pressing concerns raised by college heads.
Principals Highlight Critical Safety Concerns
During the session, the Principals of prominent institutions—including Miranda House, Lady Shri Ram (LSR), Lady Irwin, Daulat Ram, Jesus & Mary, Laxmibai, Mata Sundri, Gargi, Indraprastha, and Janki Devi—outlined several immediate threats to student safety. The concerns ranged from infrastructure gaps to harassment on the streets.
The most significant issues raised included:
- Transport Menace: E-rickshaws, autos, and taxis forcibly soliciting passengers and blocking college entrances.
- Connectivity Gaps: A lack of safe last-mile connectivity for students traveling to and from campuses.
- Environmental Hazards: Encroached footpaths, unregulated vending, and "dark spots" caused by poor illumination.
- Harassment and Public Nuisance: Instances of obscene flashing, eve-teasing, and the presence of unsafe parks and public toilets near campuses.
Infrastructure Overhaul: Lighting and Visibility
To combat the danger posed by poorly lit areas, the LG issued strict directives to the PWD and MCD. He ordered the immediate repair of existing street lights and the installation of high-mast lights to eliminate dark spots on approach roads. Additionally, he emphasized the need for improved CCTV coverage at bus stops and other public stretches frequented by students.
The LG also addressed the aesthetic and safety aspects of campus surroundings, directing that:
- Objectionable graffiti on college exterior walls must be removed.
- Overgrown vegetation around campuses should be cleared to improve visibility and prevent hiding spots.
- Unauthorised taxi stands and stationary buses that create isolated stretches must be cleared.
Strengthening Policing and Emergency Response
On the law enforcement front, the Lieutenant Governor demanded enhanced patrolling and the deployment of PCR vans, particularly during the critical morning and evening hours. To ensure a visible and accessible police presence, he directed the installation of Pink Booths staffed by trained personnel.
Key policing directives included:
- Nodal Officers: The nomination of a dedicated Nodal Police Officer for every college to ensure seamless coordination and rapid response to complaints.
- Surveillance: The use of plainclothes officers to monitor areas prone to eve-teasing and obscene behavior.
- Safety Audits: Conducting comprehensive safety audits of all areas surrounding educational institutions.
- Picket Checking: Increased checking around metro stations and isolated stretches.
Improving Mobility and Campus Surroundings
Recognizing that transport is a major vulnerability, the LG called for better connectivity between colleges and metro stations. This includes the provision of shuttle services during the evening, U-Special buses, and Metro Feeder buses. He also demanded a regulated system for e-rickshaws and autos, featuring dedicated pick-up and drop-off points and a mechanism to report driver misconduct.
Furthermore, the MCD has been tasked with removing unauthorised encroachments and street vendors that obstruct footpaths. The LG also highlighted the need to secure parks near campuses that are frequently occupied by individuals engaged in substance abuse and to relocate MCD Dhalaos that attract unauthorised persons near college boundaries.
To empower students, the LG concluded by directing the Police and the Women and Child Development (WCD) department to conduct regular self-defence programmes, gender sensitisation workshops, and widespread awareness campaigns.