Taking serious note on the complaints of the students of Government Girls College, Sector -14, Panchkula, the chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women Partibha Suman and its vice-chairperson Preeti Bhardwaj led a team and inspected the girls’ hostel-I of the same College and interacted with the students residing there.
The vice-chairperson Preeti Bhardwaj said the girls shared their issues and problems with the commission members and the Commission has directed the officers to address their concerns without delay.
She said that according to students, no proper safety and security measures for the girls have been made in this hostel. Besides, no full-time regular warden is posted here. One lady lecturer has been given the additional charge of warden who does not reside in the hostel campus. Warden does not visit the hostel regularly. Besides, the lady superintendent stays here with her young boy.
Bhardwaj said that besides this, the Commission found that the visitor’s register was not found properly maintained. Out of total nine CCTV cameras installed in the hostel, only three were found working. No fire safety equipment was installed in the hostel. The Commission suggested the officers concerned to install bio-metric system, fire safety equipment and also recommended more CCTV cameras to be installed in the hostel in near future, she said, adding the Commission has also directed the officer concerned to take proper safety and security measures for girls in the hostel. Rapid Action Force should deputed from time to time. In addition to this, patrolling during night hours at around hostel areas should be intensified.
Moreover, during inspection the Commission found that out of three drinking water coolers installed in the hostel, only one water cooler was found working. Generator was not working which affects the study of students during power cut. Almost all the switch boards of every room of the hostel were found broken and out of order which needs immediate replacement. One TV connection has been installed in the hall of the hostel which was not in working condition as DTH charge was not paid.
The vice-chairperson further said that almost 90 per cent girls complained of the substandard quality of food is served to the girls students. Stale food is also served. Another concerned was that students were charged for food during vacation, she said, adding the Commission found it to be highly objectionable, discriminating and inappropriate. The commission has directed the officers concerned that this practice should be discontinued with immediate effect. On the occasion, the hostel warden informed the Commission that the officials of PWD (B&R) department/electricity division do not visit the hostel regularly to remove the deficiencies faced by the students residing in the hostel. Normally some girls residing in hostel need medical treatment for which one doctor should be appointed along with medical check up should be conducted periodically.
The Commission has directed the officers of departments concerned to look into the matter seriously and steps should be taken immediately.
The officers concerned were directed to inform the Commission about completion of above works in 15 days through Savita Dhull, acting warden. Action will be taken if instructions are not implemented strictly, the vice-chairperson warned.