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University of Hyderabad chief warden
University Students Demand Chief Warden’s Resignation
The University of Hyderabad chief warden has come under significant scrutiny as students, led by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), have called for his resignation. The demand follows recent incidents involving moral policing, raids, and what students describe as overall inefficiency in addressing essential infrastructure and welfare issues. The calls for accountability intensified after a protest was staged on campus, highlighting the chief warden’s controversial actions.
Allegations of Moral Policing and Unannounced Raids
On Monday, November 18, a flying squad led by University of Hyderabad chief warden Shuvashisa Rana, along with security personnel, conducted sudden and unannounced raids in several men’s hostels. These raids involved forced entries into rooms and video recordings of students in their private spaces without prior consent. Students accused the officials of targeting those who had been vocal about poor hostel and mess conditions. The absence of women representatives during these raids raised concerns, especially when female students visiting the hostel were allegedly mistreated.
Invasive Actions and Student Reactions
The raid, which involved confiscating kettles and induction cookers, sparked outrage among the student body. These appliances, often essential for boiling water and preparing simple meals when students are unwell or studying late, were taken despite the University of Hyderabad chief warden knowing that hostel facilities lack basic provisions. A resident expressed frustration, stating, “It is absurd that the chief warden prioritizes confiscating kettles and induction cookers over addressing the severe maintenance issues in hostels. The focus should be on improving living conditions, not moral policing.”
Five students were fined substantial amounts, with penalties reaching up to Rs 30,000. This sparked immediate protests led by SFI activists, who confronted the university administration. The protests inside the administration building were dispersed only after the university registrar, Devesh Nigam, intervened and assured that further raids and fines would be halted pending an inquiry.
Registrar’s Response and Promises
Responding to the uproar, Registrar Devesh Nigam pledged to seek an explanation from the office of the University of Hyderabad chief warden. He also promised that a committee, inclusive of student representatives, would be established to review and potentially amend the current hostel regulations. This assurance was aimed at easing tensions and providing a sense of involvement and transparency in the administration’s decision-making.
Student Organizations Demand Resignation
In a formal statement, SFI highlighted the University of Hyderabad chief warden’s alleged failure to address key hostel and mess issues. These include substandard food quality, dilapidated hostel infrastructure, and the absence of amenities such as common kitchens and hot water dispensers. The lack of student representation in hostel and mess committees was also a significant concern raised by the organization.
The SFI’s statement condemned the invasive tactics employed by the chief warden. “Filming students in their private rooms when they are not appropriately dressed is an egregious violation of their dignity and privacy. Such actions are an attack on personal space and are unacceptable. The inhuman and anti-student behavior demonstrated by the University of Hyderabad chief warden necessitates his immediate resignation. We call on the student body to resist any further attempts by the flying squad to disrupt the peace in hostels,” the statement read.
Broader Implications and Student Solidarity
The call for the University of Hyderabad chief warden’s resignation has broader implications for the university’s governance and the relationship between the administration and the student body. The events have sparked a renewed conversation about students’ rights and the extent of authority that university officials should wield. Many students have come forward to share their experiences, reinforcing the demand for a more transparent and student-centric approach to campus management.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Reform
The ongoing situation at the University of Hyderabad reflects a crucial moment for student-administration relations. The students’ unified response to the actions of the University of Hyderabad chief warden demonstrates a strong stand against perceived injustices and inefficiencies. The resolution of these issues, coupled with promised reforms, could lead to meaningful changes in how the university manages its hostels and interacts with its students.
