Delhi University VC Orders Hostel Expansion After 7 Die in PG Collapse

Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh has ordered a major expansion of hostel facilities and fast-tracked ongoing projects after a multi-storey paying guest (PG) accommodation near South Campus collapsed, claiming the lives of seven students.

The VC convened a meeting of college principals to discuss the incident and observed a two-minute silence in memory of the deceased. He described the loss of students' lives as a 'massive blow' to the university and assured the affected families that the university stood ready to provide all possible assistance.

Singh urged principals to explore the feasibility of constructing new hostels, assess available space and government schemes, and prepare plans wherever possible. The aim, he said, should be to provide residential facilities to the maximum number of students.

The meeting came as student organisations intensified protests demanding accountability over the collapse and the safety of students living in private accommodations. Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College principal Gyantosh Kumar Jha said that the college had received information about two students who were staying at the collapsed PG building, one of whom had died.

The college had been in constant touch with students living in Satya Niketan and had arranged food, water, and accommodation for those who needed assistance. Some students have been sent safely to their local guardians, Jha said. The college was also making arrangements for students whose PGs had been closed following the incident.

The lack of hostel facilities has forced many students to live in private PGs, which has raised concerns over the safety of these accommodations in student-dominated areas. The availability of affordable housing for university students is also a major issue.

Delhi University has a large student population, with many colleges having almost 5,000 students. Providing hostel accommodation to all students is a challenge, but the university is seriously considering ways to expand residential facilities in the future.

The collapse of the PG building has highlighted the need for safe and affordable housing for students. The university's decision to expand hostel facilities and fast-track ongoing projects is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the issue of private PG accommodations and ensure the safety of students.

The incident has also raised questions about the accountability of private PG owners and the role of the university in ensuring the safety of students living in these accommodations. The university's response to the incident will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen how effectively it can address the issues raised by the collapse.

In the meantime, the university has assured the affected families that it will provide all possible assistance. The incident has been a massive blow to the university, and it will take time to come to terms with the loss of young lives.

The university's decision to review residential facilities and provide assistance to affected families is a positive step. However, it is essential to address the underlying issues that led to the collapse and ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.

The safety of students is a top priority, and the university must take all necessary steps to ensure that they have access to safe and affordable housing. The expansion of hostel facilities and the fast-tracking of ongoing projects are crucial steps in this direction.

In conclusion, the collapse of the PG building near South Campus has highlighted the need for safe and affordable housing for students. Delhi University's decision to expand hostel facilities and fast-track ongoing projects is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the issue of private PG accommodations and ensure the safety of students.

The university's response to the incident will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen how effectively it can address the issues raised by the collapse. The safety of students is a top priority, and the university must take all necessary steps to ensure that they have access to safe and affordable housing.