Members of the Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars Forum (RGURSF) have raised an important concern regarding the lack of housing facilities for female scholars. The forum has now taken up the matter with the university authorities. It is both problematic and unacceptable that the university has yet to address such a significant gap.
According to the forum, the university has 699 research scholars, of which 423 are female. However, there are only 53 available seats for female researchers, and this number has remained unchanged for over two decades.
It is important to note that most scholars do not come from wealthy families, and even if they did, they deserve the same facilities extended to any scholar. Some of the brightest minds in the region pursue research, and in order to allow them to focus on their work, the institution must provide adequate support, including housing facilities. Such deprivation should not be tolerated anywhere, and the university should set an example by ensuring equality, regardless of gender.
Students work hard to get into the university, which is one of the leading centres of higher education in the region. With over 5,000 students enrolled, this is no small achievement for a university that has only existed for 42 years. However, the university must not only focus on enrollment but also on providing the best facilities for students. This includes enhancing scholarships, expanding the library’s collection, providing proper boarding facilities with all necessary amenities, improving labs, and offering better support for non-lab-based departments.
The immediate need is to provide boarding facilities for female scholars. The university could consider halls of residence with gender-neutral accommodation, as is practiced in many other universities for PhD scholars.