Srinagar, Dec 29, KNT: Girl students of the University of Kashmir have renewed their demand for the construction of an additional girls’ hostel at the main campus, citing the acute accommodation shortage that has forced hundreds of students to live in private rented rooms under difficult and insecure conditions.
At present, the University of Kashmir operates several girls’ hostels at its main campus, including Habba Khatoon, Rabia Basri, Qurat-ul-Ain-Hyder, Bibi-Aamina and Lal Ded hostels. Despite these facilities, students allege that the combined capacity caters to only a limited portion of enrolled female students, leaving a large number without on-campus accommodation.
Students residing outside the campus said they are compelled to rent private rooms at an average cost of around Rs 6,000 per month, apart from bearing additional expenses. Many raised concerns over safety and lack of a secure environment. Parents echoed similar apprehensions, stating that they remain anxious about their daughters’ wellbeing and have to stay in constant contact due to security fears.
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Students also said that living in rented accommodation significantly affects their academic routine. They claimed that managing daily chores, particularly cooking, consumes over three hours each day, leaving them with limited time to focus on studies.
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Senior faculty members pointed out that over the past decade, the proportion of female students at the university has increased substantially. According to them, girls currently constitute nearly 80 percent of enrolment in science and social science streams, placing additional pressure on existing hostel infrastructure.
Data show that more than 800 girl students are presently staying in rented accommodations across areas including Habak, Sadribal, Zakura, Malhabagh, Saida Kadal, Hazratbal and Nigeen.
Academics have suggested that the university can address the issue by constructing a new five storey hostel block near Lal Ded hostel after removing an abandoned and unoccupied professor’s quarter, and by shifting some non teaching staff to the Mirza Bagh campus.
Students and parents have appealed to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the university to take immediate steps to resolve the issue. Efforts were made to contact the Vice Chancellor,, however, no response was received till the filing of this report. [KNT]
