Delhi University asks colleges, hostels to submit women's safety reports by October 12

Delhi University has directed its colleges, departments and hostels to conduct comprehensive safety assessments and submit detailed reports by October 12, focusing on better lighting, CCTV surveillance and security measures for women, university officials said.

The directive was issued by DU Proctor Manoj Singh following an online meeting on Friday with college principals, deans, directors, heads of departments, hostel provosts, wardens and resident tutors to review safety and security across the university.

“Delhi University has colleges and campuses spread across the city. The objective is to first collect data on where what can be improved, so we can give the report to the LG and CM, and accordingly action for campus and women safety can be taken,” Singh said.

According to a university statement, colleges and other institutions have been asked to identify poorly lit areas and blind spots, repair faulty lights, install additional streetlights where necessary and position CCTV cameras strategically to improve surveillance.

Officials have also been directed to trim overgrown trees that obstruct natural light and address other potential safety risks on campus.

The proctor has asked the concerned authorities to submit detailed lists of infrastructure gaps and women's safety concerns in either physical or digital format by 5 pm on October 12.

The initiative aims to identify safety concerns promptly and address them systematically to create a safer environment for the university community, the statement said.

The meeting also discussed increasing police presence near colleges and hostels, including deploying dedicated surveillance teams at strategic locations.

Participants proposed installing additional pink booths for women and strengthening the operations of the Vamika police van, which is known for its rapid-response capabilities.

The university also plans to conduct gender-sensitisation workshops in collaboration with the Delhi Police and organise a seven-day self-defence crash course for students.

The statement said women's safety helpline numbers 1091 and 112 would be prominently displayed and publicised across colleges and campus premises.

Officials were further instructed to assess the structural condition of university buildings, colleges and hostels in coordination with the Engineering Department and report any issues requiring urgent repairs.

The university said the measures were intended to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and staff.  (with inputs from PTI)