Delhi University students flag PG rents, hostel shortage during DUSU polls

As Delhi University students cast their votes in the DUSU elections on Friday, accommodation, safety and commuting costs emerged as some of the key concerns among voters, particularly those living away from their hometowns.

Students from other states said high rents for private paying guest (PG) accommodation, limited hostel availability and concerns over safety were making life in Delhi increasingly difficult. Many called for better-maintained university hostels, regulation of PG rents and concessions on Metro fares to reduce their financial burden.

Harsh Pandey, a first-year BCom student at Motilal Nehru College, said affordable accommodation was a major concern and suggested Metro fare concessions for students. He also pointed to DU hostels that are either non-functional or remain closed, saying their reopening and proper maintenance could provide students with safer and more affordable housing.

For Aditi, a first-year BA Programme student from Uttarakhand, accommodation and safety are closely connected. She said students coming from other states should not have to compromise on safety while looking for affordable housing. She cited rents of around ₹20,000 per bed in the Anand Niketan area of RK Puram, excluding food, as an example of the financial pressure faced by students.

Safety concerns have intensified following the September 6 collapse of a five-storey building housing a boys’ PG near South Campus in Satya Niketan. Seven people were killed and five injured, while 12 others were rescued from the debris.

The incident prompted some students to reconsider their accommodation. Anmol, a second-year Venkateshwar College student, said he moved from a PG located about 500 metres from the collapsed building despite the longer commute. He said students were being forced to balance safety concerns against higher travel and accommodation costs.

Bhupesh, a fourth-year Motilal Nehru College student, said some students who had temporarily left their PGs returned after their buildings were declared safe because staying farther away increased their expenses and made commuting difficult.

Students also raised concerns over the lack of regulation of PG rents. Pawan, a second-year BA Programme student at Aryabhatta College, called for a system to regulate rents, saying students often have limited alternatives near their colleges.

Aryan, another second-year BA Programme student at Aryabhatta College, highlighted commuting expenses and sought Metro concessions as well as improved road infrastructure. He also suggested that unused university spaces could potentially be developed into affordable student accommodation.

The concerns reflect broader issues around the cost and safety of student life in Delhi, with voters using the DUSU election to highlight demands beyond campus politics.

Vote counting for the DUSU elections is scheduled for Saturday, September 19.

with inputs from PTI