DU hostel protest erupts over extra stay charges and facility disruptions

Tension erupted at Delhi University’s University Hostel for Women (UHW) after residents staged a late-night protest accusing the hostel administration of forcing students to vacate rooms, imposing extra charges, and disrupting basic facilities during ongoing examinations.

The demonstration began around 9.30 pm and continued past midnight, with students gathering outside the hostel premises and raising slogans against the administration. Videos from the protest circulated widely on social media, drawing attention to the students’ allegations.

According to residents, pressure to vacate the hostel had intensified over the past week even though several students had already paid hostel fees in advance for June and July.

Many students said the situation had become particularly stressful due to semester examinations and preparations for competitive exams, including NEET.

Students alleged that residents seeking to stay beyond the regular deadline were being subjected to additional conditions and financial demands.

The All India Students’ Association (AISA), which supported the protest, claimed the administration asked students to pay an extra ₹450 per day to continue staying in the hostel.

The student organization described the move as a “punitive extortion order” and accused authorities of going back on earlier assurances given to residents.

Apart from the accommodation dispute, students also accused the administration of disrupting essential facilities inside the hostel.

According to protesters, water supply was cut in parts of two hostel blocks, creating difficulties for residents during the examination period. Students further alleged that chairs had been removed from the hostel reading room, affecting their ability to study late at night.

AISA criticized the administration over the situation and said the actions had pushed students “to the brink."

“This institutional apathy has crossed all limits of human dignity,” the organization said in a statement.

The protesting students demanded immediate restoration of water supply and study facilities, along with permission to continue staying in the hostel without additional charges.

Student groups also demanded the resignation of the hostel provost, alleging mishandling of the situation.

According to student representatives, demonstrations had previously been organized on May 16, after which the provost allegedly assured students that facilities would be restored and deadlines relaxed. However, protesters claimed those assurances were later withdrawn.