Delhi University to undertake study to ensure safety of women on campus

After marching on the streets of the campus to reclaim public spaces and holding candlelight vigils a few days ago, Delhi University students on Wednesday afternoon again held demonstrations. Marching from Arts Faculty to different colleges on North Campus, the students carried effigies of politicians and spiritual leaders who have recently been in the news for their remarks on the gangrape incident.

Condemning these remarks, Delhi University Students’ Union President Arun Hooda, who is also a student of Law Faculty, said, “The student community should not be discouraged by the kind of statements that are being made by various leaders.”

Urging students to fight patriarchy and violence against women, DU students also drew up a charter of demands to be submitted to the government.

“We have be going from college to college and talking to students about the issue. A charter of demands, based on these discussions, has been drawn up and we are also collecting signatures from students,” Hooda said.

According to another charter of demands prepared by an organisation, ‘Centre for Struggling Women’, emphasis should be on making public transport safe for women. The recommendations include preference for women while recruiting conductors, increasing frequency of Metro trains and the number of special buses for women.

The university administration is also taking steps to enhance security on campus. A meeting of the DU Vice-Chancellor, senior police

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