DCW notice to Hindu college principal over hostel issue

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has issued notice to the Principal of Hindu College over not providing accommodation to girls in the hostel.
A senior official from the DCW said the Commission has received a representation from students of the college regarding high fee structure and "discriminatory rules" for girls in the newly constructed 200-seat hostel.
"The representation states that the college is not yet providing accommodation to girls in the hostel despite the hostel having been constructed. The same has been highlighted in a newspaper report in a leading daily," the official said.
The report also mentions that the decision of not providing hostel has been taken in the wake of protests by students against discriminatory practices and rules of the college against girl students, the official added.

The notice issued to Principal Anju Srivastava said, "Prima facie, such an act by the college appears to be discriminatory and a violation of the Constitutional rights of women. The fact that a prestigious college such as Hindu College has allegedly taken such a step is even more disturbing."
"The Delhi Commission for Women therefore directs you to respond to all allegations raised in the complaint received from the students of Hindu College," it said.

Srivastava has been asked to send her reply within 48 hours of the notice.
"Failing which appropriate action, under law will be taken," the notice said.

The Delhi Commission for Women Act, 1994 mandates the DCW to investigate and examine all matters relating to the safeguards provided for women in Delhi under the Constitution and give recommendations to the government on the issue of women rights and safety under Section 10(i)(a,b,c).
Also, Section 10(iii)(d) of the said Act empowers the Commission to requisition any public record or copy thereof from any office and gives it powers of a Civil Court for the same.
In a recent circular, the college had said it will not admit students to its new girls' hostel this year.
The move came in the backdrop of protests by students over high fees. The girl students are also demanding revocation of mandatory dress code for those willing to stay at the hostel.