Discontinuation of NCC Safety Units in DU’s Lakshmibai College

Delhi University’s Lakshmibai College introduced NCC units last year to act upon the harassment complaints made by the students around the campus of the women’s college. The units, named after Hindu Goddesses Durga, Kali and Chandi may be discontinued after a year of their implementation due to changes in the authority and differing views on the subject.

No new enrolments in the units have been observed in this academic year, and the initiative is being planned to be discreetly peeled away from the college guidelines.

The regiments, introduced by the then principal, Pratyush Vatsala, were an attempt to empower young women, teachers and students and convert the campus into a safe space for every individual.

The selection for these units was made out of the college’s NCC wing, and the students had to go through a rigorous interview process. The chosen applicants were assigned one of the units along with their own uniforms consisting of the coloured themes of red, white and black. The college ensured weekly self-defence training of the members for their own safety and equipped them with bicycles to certify timely appearance in case of any such events reported.

The initiative was met with mixed responses throughout the campus upon its launch. Similar emotions are being stirred up again with the circulation of news of its termination.

A third-year student, who was a participant of the regiment, told The Times of India, “Now that the principal has changed, the system seems to be fading away. There have been no interviews or enrolments this year. We are not happy about it because such incidents of harassment are still a daily reality for us around the college.” She added, “Though a police cab is always stationed outside, the units gave us confidence to act when needed. It was an encouraging move and had a positive impact.”

During its initiation, the move was described by the college administration as a proactive step in making the campus safer, but the action drew criticism along the lines of accountability. Few believed that this would lead to the students taking the law into their own hands rather than relying on the authorities or the institute.

A faculty member expressed their concerns about the potential risks and said that the idea might unintentionally put students in harm’s way.

Image Credits: Collegedunia

Ananya Agarwal
[email protected]