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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]

Read Also: Sensitization Programme for NSS Volunteers and NCC Cadets Under Swachhta Hi Seva – 2025

Kirori Mal College (KMC) launches Project Samaavesh, a pioneering initiative supporting visually impaired students with training, resources, and awareness programs to build an inclusive and empowering campus environment.

A quiet revolution is underway at Kirori Mal College (KMC), as a new initiative titled ‘Project Samaavesh – Towards Inclusion and Empowerment’ is actively reshaping campus life for its visually impaired students. More than just a support system, the project is a lifeline, offering tailored guidance, skills training, and, crucially, a sense of belonging to a community often grappling with isolation and limited resources.

“Inclusion is not a favour; it is a right,” states KMC Principal Dinesh Khattar. “There may be limits on sight, but there are no limits on vision.” This powerful sentiment underpins Project Samaavesh, a joint effort by the Centre for Disability Research and Training (CDRT) at KMC and the Score Foundation. The initiative’s core mission is to promote true inclusion through a dedicated on-campus help desk, where visually impaired students can receive support tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.

The project begins with a comprehensive assessment of each student, followed by the development of a customised support plan. This personalised approach directly addresses the systemic gaps prevalent in many academic institutions, where “enabling units lie dormant,” as described by Ankita Verma, a student from Miranda House. Verma highlights a critical issue, stating, “Technology is important, but our basic needs are still unmet,” a reality that Samaavesh seeks to change. The project provides training in essential skills like computer literacy, STEM, AI, and the use of assistive tools, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive world.

Beyond resources, Project Samaavesh is fundamentally about changing perspectives. Someshwar Sati, CDRT coordinator, challenges the very definition of disability, asking, “If I give the audience a book in Braille and they can’t read it, are they disabled? Why can’t we embrace different ways of being as part of human diversity?” This philosophical approach is translated into action through sensitisation programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at students, faculty, and staff, fostering empathy and dismantling unconscious biases.

The transformative impact of the project is already evident in the lives of its participants. Sachin Kumar, a KMC political science graduate now pursuing his master’s at JNU, credits the initiative for his personal and academic growth. “When I joined CDRT, we focused on creating initiatives for inclusion,” he says. “We worked to spread awareness and make an impact. Society still doesn’t recognise the full potential of the disabled community. These programmes help bridge that gap.”

For Narendra Kumar Kashyap, a third-year Sanskrit student from Amethi, the project has eased a personal struggle. “Reading content is the biggest challenge. Interacting with peers is also difficult,” he shares. Since joining the program, however, his sense of isolation has diminished. “The gap is bridging,” he says, with a renewed sense of hope for his dream of becoming a teacher. As Sati poignantly puts it, “Nazariya badal denge toh nazar bhi badal jaayegi“—if we change the lens, our view will change too. At KMC, that change is already taking hold, creating a more inclusive and equitable campus for all.

 

Read Also – 32 Students Move Delhi HC Against DU’s LL.M. Practice Prohibition

 

Image Source – careers360

 

Richa Choudhary

[email protected]

The Veer Savarkar College in Najafgarh, which was set to admit its first batch of students in the academic session 2025-26, has now been delayed by pending government approvals. The opening might be pushed back to next year if approvals are not cleared by this month.

DU’s newest college, being established after nearly 30 years, is facing delays pending financial clearance by the Education Ministry. According to an earlier announcement by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh in March, the Veer Savarkar College was supposed to open admissions in the academic session of 2025-26.

Earlier this month, The Indian Express confirmed that DU officials intended to begin the admission process and start the session even 15 days late given the procedural delays were cleared. According to DU South Campus Director Rajni Abbi, the faculty and staff positions for the college had been sanctioned by the University Grants Commission earlier this year.

However, the college’s admissions may instead be pushed back to the 2026-27 session if the approval does not come through by the end of August, as DU’s admission cycle is set to conclude by August 19 and the university does not intend to hold separate admissions to the college.

This comes as a major setback to Delhi University’s initiative to meet Delhi’s rapidly growing demand for higher education. Veer Savarkar College was built at Roshanpura village, Najafgarh, at a cost of Rs 140 crore on land donated by the Gram Panchayat. Part of an Rs 600 crore expansion project, also including plans to develop DU’s East and West Campuses at Surajmal Vihar and Dwarka Sector 22, respectively.

The college, located close to DU’s West Campus, will include 24 classrooms, 8 tutorial rooms, 40 faculty rooms, department libraries, conference rooms and a canteen. For this academic session, two four-year undergraduate programmes with 60 seats, namely B.Sc. Computer Science and Bachelor of Business Administration, are planned to be started. The college will also follow the reservation policy of 2 seats in each course reserved for students from Roshanpura village, with one of these seats reserved for female students.

The college’s journey to opening has been rocky since the beginning. Earlier this year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stones for the Veer Savarkar College, along with the academic blocks for DU’s East and West campuses, an event which stirred controversy among political groups given that the event was held ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections and that the college is named after Hindu Mahasabha leader V.D. Savarkar, a Hindu nationalist.

Even though this set of unexpected delays might cast some doubts, the future expansion plans of the university are in full throttle. Earlier in July, DU approved infrastructure development plans of Rs 1900 crore. Whether the plans stay on track remains to be seen.

Read Also: Delhi University’s 1900 crore Infrastructural Push: Solar Installations, Surveillance System and New Co-Ed College

 

Image Credits: Devesh for DU Beat

 

Mangalya Singh

[email protected]

Delhi University signed an MoU with Google Cloud aimed to train students in AI, data analytics, cyber security, and digital literacy.

The University of Delhi has entered into a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud to train students in some of the most in-demand skills of the 21st century, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital literacy. The collaboration, announced on August 14, is being positioned as a step towards creating an academic environment that prepares students for technology-driven careers while also strengthening India’s digital ecosystem.

For one of India’s largest universities, with a student body running into lakhs across affiliated colleges and departments, the move marks a significant effort to match higher education with the demands of a rapidly evolving global workplace. At a time when technology has become central to almost every industry, the partnership is expected to provide Delhi University students with both the conceptual grounding and the hands-on exposure needed to remain competitive.

According to the official statement, the initiative will not only expose students to advanced tools but also provide practical training through certifications, mentorship, hackathons, and start-up incubation programmes. Google Workspace for Education will also be integrated into DU’s teaching framework to ensure students have access to collaborative digital platforms.

Dean of Colleges, Professor Balram Pani, described the collaboration as a landmark move for the university. 

“Delhi University is the number one university in the country. This collaboration will benefit both Google and DU,” 

Registrar Dr Vikas Gupta highlighted that the programme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses the need for digital literacy and employability-focused learning. 

From the industry side, Google Cloud’s India Managing Director, Shashi Sreedharan, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative. 

“Technology is a powerful equalizer. It is vital that India’s next-generation talent is equipped with practical, future-ready skills,” 

The announcement has also drawn attention to how global technology companies are increasingly partnering with Indian universities to nurture talent at the ground level. In DU’s case, the collaboration is likely to set a precedent for similar tie-ups.

While it promises to bring global-level training to one of India’s largest public universities, will all students benefit equally? The real challenge will lie in ensuring that these opportunities reach beyond the North and South Campus colleges to the far corners of the university.

Still, for many students, this partnership signals hope. In a world where job markets are constantly evolving, the chance to graduate with not only a degree but also industry-recognised certifications could make DU graduates more competitive.

Also Read: SBSC (Evening) Warns Against Loitering During Class Hours

 

Picture Credits: Delhi University 

Juhi Bansal

[email protected]

As the much-anticipated DUSU elections dawn upon Delhi University, the administration’s decision to impose a mandatory ₹1 Lakh bond on contesting candidates has triggered a storm of protest. What the administration portrays as a measure of accountability is being widely condemned as a deliberate financial barrier that strikes right at the heart of campus democracy. For decades, DUSU has stood as a microcosm of Indian democracy, producing leaders who went on to shape national politics. By attaching a steep financial cost to participation, the administration risks rewriting that history. 

The policy has ignited rare partnerships as long-time rival student organisations come together to protest. While major organisations like ABVP and NSUI have historically housed high-profile candidates and expensive campaigns, they, too, have accused the new policy of being undemocratic and regressive. NSUI President Varun Chaudhary termed it a ‘political weapon’ that works in favour of their adversary, ABVP. 

Leftist student organisations like the Student Federation of India (SFI) also demand the withdrawal of the bond, describing it as “a regressive move that is nothing short of an elitist barrier designed to exclude ordinary students from democratic participation and stifle genuine student voices”. SFI calls out the university for their “anti–common student nature”, and highlights the growing concern over the integrity of free and fair student politics in India.

The imposition of this bond also raises much larger questions, especially those that target the identity of the university itself. The protesters claim that while administrations often justify restrictions in the name of discipline, the cumulative effect is a systematic narrowing of democratic participation. In an institution renowned for its inclusivity, the bond seems like a gatekeeping tool and risks silencing those very voices the union is meant to represent. Rather than strengthening electoral integrity, the bond tethers participation to monetary capacity, shrinking democracy to those who can afford it. 

With the DUSU election process now officially announced for September, the ₹1 lakh bond feels like more than just a procedural rule. For many students, it seems like a statement of who is considered fit to participate in democracy and who is not. As the elections draw closer and the campaigns gather pace, the debate over the bond is likely to remain at the centre of campus politics.

Image Source: The Hindu 

Navya Chandok
[email protected]

Read Also: DU Cracks Down on Poster Politics Ahead of Election Season

The Veer Savarkar College in Najafgarh, which was set to admit its first batch of students in the academic session 2025-2,6 has now been delayed by pending government approvals. The opening might be pushed back to next year if approvals are not cleared by this month.

DU’s newest college being established after nearly 30 years, is facing delays pending financial clearance by the Education Ministry. According to an earlier announcement by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh in March, the Veer Savarkar College was supposed to open admissions in the academic session of 2025-26. 

Earlier this month, The Indian Express confirmed that DU officials intended to begin the admission process and start the session even 15 days late, given that the procedural delays were cleared. According to DU South Campus Director Rajni Abbi, the faculty and staff positions for the college had been sanctioned by the University Grants Commission earlier this year.

However, the college’s admissions may instead be pushed back to the 2026-27 session if the approval does not come through by the end of August, as DU’s admission cycle is set to conclude by August 19, and the University does not intend to hold separate admissions to the college.

This comes as a major setback to Delhi University’s initiative to meet Delhi’s rapidly growing demand for higher education. Veer Savarkar College was built at Roshanpura village, Najafgarh at a cost of Rs 140 crore on land donated by the Gram Panchayat. Part of a Rs 600 crore expansion project, also including plans to develop DU’s East and West Campuses at Surajmal Vihar and Dwarka Sector 22, respectively.

The college, located close to DU’s West Campus, will include 24 classrooms, 8 tutorial rooms, 40 faculty rooms, department libraries, conference rooms and a canteen. For this academic session, two four-year undergraduate programs with 60 seats, namely B.Sc Computer Science and Bachelor of Business Administration, are planned to be started. The college will also follow the reservation policy of 2 seats in each course reserved for students from Roshanpura village, with one of these seats reserved for female students.

The college’s journey to opening has been rocky since the beginning. Earlier this year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stones for the Veer Savarkar College, along with the academic blocks for DU’s East and West campuses, an event which stirred controversy among political groups given that the event was held ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, and that the college is named after Hindu Mahasabha leader V.D. Savarkar, a Hindu nationalist.

Even though this set of unexpected delays might cast some doubts, the future expansion plans of the University are in full throttle. Earlier in July, DU approved infrastructure development plans of Rs 1900 crore. Whether the plans stay on track remains to be seen.

Read Also: Delhi University’s 1900 crore Infrastructural Push: Solar Installations, Surveillance System and New Co-Ed College

Image Credits: Devesh for DU Beat

Mangalya Singh

[email protected]

Delhi University (DU) is reconsidering its rule requiring candidates in the DU Students’ Union (DUSU) elections to submit a ₹1,00,000 bond. Introduced on August 8 as part of new poll guidelines to curb campus defacement ahead of the September elections, the rule forms part of a wider framework aligned with court orders and Lyngdoh Committee recommendations. These directives also mandate an anti-defacement affidavit, limit rallies and loudspeaker use, and impose penalties for violations. The bond requirement has drawn sharp criticism from student organisations, who say it imposes an unfair financial burden, especially on candidates from underprivileged backgrounds. A senior DU official told The Hindustan Times that the University is reviewing the provision in light of these objections.

According to the guidelines, “Each contesting candidate shall be required to execute a bond of Rs. 1.00 Lakh for the offence of any defacement/violation of provisions of these Guidelines by themselves or their supporters, at the time of filing nomination for any post of DUSU.” 

Speaking to The Hindustan Times, Chief Election Officer Raj Kishore Sharma said that during a meeting with students and representatives of student organisations, participants expressed unwillingness to pay the bond. Following the discussion, the election office asked them to submit written representations to the university administration by August 16. The matter will be reviewed again before a final decision is taken.

The backdrop to these new regulations lies in the 2024 DUSU election, when widespread vandalism during campaigning led the Delhi High Court to intervene. As a result, vote counting was delayed by nearly two months, pending the removal of defaced property and its restoration. 

Last week, university officials reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on defacement, limiting campaign materials to handmade posters, imposing expenditure limits, and promising to set up “walls of democracy” in colleges as approved spaces for election displays. They also agreed, following student suggestions, that these “walls” would be formally recommended for both college-level and university-wide elections.

Sharma further affirmed, “Following last year’s incidents, the university submitted a set of reform suggestions to the court aimed at preventing defacement this year, which included the ₹1,00,000 bond requirement. However, in view of the opposition from students, we have yet to take a final decision.”

The university has notified the schedule for this year’s elections—the DUSU elections will be held on September 18, with counting scheduled for September 19. The notification also sets September 10 as the deadline for filing nominations along with a ₹500 demand draft, affidavit, and ₹1 lakh bond, followed by scrutiny and the publication of nominated candidates the same day. The withdrawal deadline is September 11, after which the final list will be released. Voting will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for day classes and 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for evening classes.

With the deadline for filing nominations less than a month away, the fate of the ₹1 lakh bond provision remains uncertain. Student bodies await the administration’s final decision, which could determine whether the upcoming polls proceed under the contentious rule or with revised guidelines. For now, preparations for the September 18 elections continue under the shadow of last year’s controversies and the university’s push for cleaner, regulation-bound campaigning.

 

Image Credits: Deepanshi for DU Beat

Neeraja Unnikrishnan
[email protected] 

Read Also: DUSU And Central Council Elections 2025-2026: Official Timeline Announced

On the morning of 14 August, Delhi saw heavy rainfall, causing waterlogging, leaked ceilings, broken panels, traffic around DU colleges and even a tragic death. Students faced difficulty in reaching colleges and even walking around campuses because of ankle-deep water flooding, affecting both the indoors and outdoors of college buildings.

Delhi-NCR witnessed heavy rains on Thursday, 14 August, causing waterlogging. Amidst the relentless downpour, one of the major victims of the waterlogging were DU colleges. Areas near colleges like Zakir Hussain College faced extreme waterlogging. Despite the installation of water pumps to drain the water, the area still remained jammed. The road near Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Jesus and Mary Marg of JMC, Siri Fort Road of Gargi College was completely waterlogged, blocking the entrance. Delhi College of Arts and Commerce and Deshbandhu College had a similar fate, with water flooding up to students’ ankles and leaking ceilings in classrooms.

The Science Block (APJ Abdul Kalam Block) of Deshbandhu College was flooded with ankle-deep water despite being situated at a relatively elevated area from its surroundings. Indoor areas of the college weren’t spared from the rainfall’s wrath, leading to leaked ceilings and broken panels in some classrooms.

A student from Deshbandhu College said, 

It took hours of continuous sweeping to get water out. The ceiling of certain classrooms in the Porta Block has broken panels, which allow water to enter the classrooms. The first bench of the entrance P-2 (Porta Block) was bathed in water.

The situation around Deshbandhu College even turned tragic, as due to heavy rainfall, a large tree fell on a bike in Kalkaji, killing a 50-year-old man and leaving his daughter fatally injured. Delhi College of Arts and Commerce likewise suffered because of water flooding. The ground floor of its old building was entirely filled with water, including the washrooms, canteen, classes, and open areas too. The main college campus was submerged in water above the ankles, and no precautions were taken to lessen the effects at the time. Jam-packed roads made it almost impossible for students to enter their college, let alone their classrooms.

Almost all colleges which were waterlogged in or around the campuses made travelling to and from colleges very time-consuming, difficult, and dangerous. Due to waterlogging, autos were charging way higher than usual, and while on the road, water entered even inside autos. Areas like Siri Fort Road near Gargi College were flooded to an extent where vehicles weren’t able to reach near the main college gate, leaving students stranded either far from college or at metro stations, with no help and cancellation of classes on the spot due to dangerous circumstances. 

Eventually, as the weather worsened, the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert in some areas, the tragic Kalkaji accident becoming one of the prompting factors. The condition of Delhi and DU colleges in particular raised questions about drainage systems and the safety of students.

Read Also: Delhi High Court Quashes JMI Professor’s Termination Over Breach of Natural Justice

Featured Image Credits: Shazia for DU Beat 

Umang

[email protected]

 

 

University of Delhi has revealed the official calendar for the election of office bearers of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and Central Council members for the academic session 2025-2026. The announcement marks the beginning of one of the most dynamic and politically vibrant seasons of the academic year, with the election process scheduled to take place in September. 

The official notification issued by the Registrar sets 10th September, 2025, as the deadline for the submission of nomination papers, which must be filed by 3:00 p.m. and accompanied by a demand draft of Rs.500, alongside an affidavit, and a bond of Rs. 1 lakh. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place the same day at 3:15 p.m., with the list of duly nominated candidates to be published at 6:00 p.m. For DUSU positions, nomination papers must be put in a sealed box located at the Office of the Chief Election Officer, Conference Centre, University of Delhi, North Campus. For Central Council elections, nominations must be filed with the respective college or department. Nomination forms can be accessed and downloaded from the official Delhi University Website. 

Candidates who wish to withdraw their nominations must do so by 11th September, 2025, before noon. The final list of candidates running for office will be published later that day at 5:00 p.m. The polling day is set for 18th September, 2025, followed by the counting of votes which will take place the next day on Friday, 19th September, 2025.

The voting process will be conducted in two stages. Students enrolled in day classes will vote during the window of 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and those in evening classes must vote from 3:00 p.m until 7:30 p.m.

The notification further aligns itself with the Code of Conduct, DUSU Constitution, and court orders from the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court. It reiterates that the procedure would be carried out in compliance with the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act (2007) and the National Green Tribunal guidelines. 

With the schedule now in place, the university is set to witness a charged election season, as student organisations and candidates prepare to campaign for leadership positions in one of the country’s most closely watched student political arenas. 

Image Credits: Sushil Kumar Verma

Navya Chandok
[email protected]

Read Also: DU Issues Anti Defacement Measures; Mandates 1 Lakh Bond Rule For DUSU Poll Candidates

The daily journey to Delhi College of Arts & Commerce (DCAC) is becoming harder, riskier, and more frustrating for students, as key roads around the college remain broken and unsafe. Despite these conditions being a long-standing problem, no steps have been taken by the relevant authorities to address them.

One of the latest disruptions is the digging of the lane leading to Mini Market, the only nearby eatery frequented by students. The path has been broken for the construction of a mall, leaving the area littered with debris and obstructing movement to the market which is a vital stop for students looking for affordable food options close to campus. 

The road problems, however, extend far beyond Mini Market. The two main routes students take to college and back are in a poor state. The Metro route, popular because of its relatively short distance, is inconvenient to take as students walking or commuting along it face uneven surfaces that make it difficult to navigate, especially during the monsoon when potholes get filled with water. On top of this, the stretch is known for repeated incidents of catcalling and harassment, making it particularly unsafe for women students. Tinkle Singh, a second year student says:

We always have to walk in groups to the metro and taking an auto everyday is not financially viable. It’s not just the potholes, it’s also the stares and comments that make it unsafe.”

The only road between DCAC and ARD Complex, a key residential area where many students live, has also been in disrepair. Potholes, dust, and an uneven road surface have become part of the daily commute, affecting both pedestrians and those travelling by auto. Anjali, a third year student of DCAC and a residential of ARD says:

The street near the roundabout sees pathetic puddles and it is almost impossible to commute without an auto when it rains.”

Additionally the road has seen no significant repair work in almost 2 years, and with no proper footpaths or lighting, it poses safety risks at all hours. The problems are compounded by the lack of traffic regulation. Speeding vehicles are a common sight, and even the potholes acting as the speed breakers do little to slow them down. 

Despite repeated inconveniences, there has been no sign of improvement from the civic authorities responsible for road maintenance. No repair work has been initiated, and no safety measures such as CCTV cameras or patrolling have been introduced on these paths. The only official action so far has come from the college itself, which issued a notice saying:

“Students who walk from Metro to College and College to Metro are hereby advised to travel in groups as a park, construction site and other isolated areas fall in the route.”

For students, this lack of response is not just an inconvenience – it is an everyday challenge that impacts their ability to attend classes safely and on time. 

Picture Credits: Juhi Bansal for DU Beat

Juhi Bansal
[email protected]

Also Read: AAP’s Revamped Student Wing Gears Up For DUSU Elections