After Satya Niketan PG collapse, NHRC seeks action plan to expand DU hostels

The intervention assumes significance in the wake of the Satya Niketan tragedy, which has brought the safety of private student accommodation in the capital under scrutiny.

In Short

• NHRC flags shortage of safe hostels at Delhi University
• Seeks action plan from Chief Secretary, UGC chairman
• Calls for expanded hostels, affordable student housing

Days after the collapse of a paying guest accommodation in Delhi’s Satya Niketan killed seven people, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious note of the shortage of hostel facilities at Delhi University and called for steps to provide students with safe and affordable housing.

The rights body has sought an action plan from the Delhi Chief Secretary and the University Grants Commission chairman within four weeks. It has directed the authorities to submit a detailed report by October 15.

The proposed measures should include the construction of new hostels and the expansion and upgrade of existing facilities, the NHRC said. It stressed the need for affordable accommodation for economically weaker and outstation students, many of whom depend on privately operated PG facilities near the university.

The intervention assumes significance in the wake of the Satya Niketan tragedy, which has brought the safety of private student accommodation in the capital under scrutiny.

BUILDING COLLAPSE IN SATYA NIKETAN

A 27-hour rescue operation at the five-storey boys’ PG accommodation ended on Monday, with seven people dead and five injured. The building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed around 1.30 pm on Sunday while repair work was underway, trapping students and workers beneath the debris.

Property owner Hariram Gupta, his wife Urmila Gupta and their son Mahesh Gupta were subsequently arrested. A court sent Hariram and Urmila to 14 days of judicial custody, while Mahesh was remanded to two days of police custody.

Five Municipal Corporation of Delhi officials have also been suspended, while the Delhi High Court has ordered a high-level inquiry into the role of the civic authorities.

The Delhi government has ordered action against unauthorised fifth floors, and the Lieutenant Governor has directed structural audits and inspection drives across major PG hubs. Student groups have also intensified their demand for safer and more affordable accommodation.

- Ends