After numerous petitions to the college authorities, the hostelers of Kirori Mal College (KMC) planned a radical protest by closing the entry gates to college during the peak hours of college lectures. It is reported that the college authorities had abruptly raised the hostel fee by a considerable amount and had passed on the amount given as fee concession for differently abled hostelers to the other residents in the KMC Hostel.
A hosteler reported that the protest or the “dharna” was planned only after pleading with the Warden a number of times. As there was no support from the Warden, the decision was taken to close the gates. At 9:15 am the KMC entry gates were closed and the hostel residents were seen sitting on the floor and protesting. This opposition was lead by M.A. and M.Sc. residents of KMC Hostel. Around 10 am, a few police officials came to stop the protest but their measures were ineffective. The teachers were allowed to enter when one of the senior professors promised to inform the teaching faculty to post-pone the tests and presentations that were to be held that day. After being sneered by the members while entering the college, the Principal decided to call for a meeting. After discussing among themselves, the hostelers finally opened the gates. The follow-up negotiations were done in the Principal’s office, in presence of other college authorities.
Students witnessing this event in the scorching heat entered the college premises at 11:15 am. The silent protest went on till 1:30 pm right outside the Principal’s office. It was decided that a concession of Rs. 2900 should be granted to the hostelers. It was reported that earlier, during a meeting a concession of 1400 rupees had also been given.
The students seemed content with negotiations and they hope that the principal remains true to his word. “Finally, the college authorities have granted a concession towards our hostel accommodation fee appraisal. I hope that they would also look into our other wants – purification of hard water supply and subsidizing electricity”, said Pankaj Kumar, a hosteler.
Comments are closed.