With the first cut-off list of Rajasthan University‘s constituent colleges out, the mad race for grabbing seat in hostels has begun. The four constituent colleges-Maharani’s, Maharaja’s, Commerce and Rajasthan College have around 7,000 academic seats.
According to rough estimate, over 40% students come from outside Jaipur and look to get a hostel accommodation. At a monthly payment of Rs 2,500, which covers stay, food, electricity, water and round-the-clock security, a hostel seat is a prized possession. Against this, private hostels charge anywhere around Rs 6,000 for these facilities.
Merit is the sole criteria for getting a hostel seat. “This is unfortunate that the criteria is merit-based and not need-based,” said Vidya Jain, principal, Maharani’s College which has seen a rise in applications for hostel accommodation this year.
The college has a total of 2,800 seats in different courses against which there are only 90 hostel seats for which 1200 girls have applied. It is unlikely that those not in the top bracket can ever hope to get a hostel seat. “The number of seats in hostels for new entrants is very less. My name appeared in the first cut-off but I am doubtful of getting a berth in the college hostel,” said Deepti Parihar, a candidate from Bharatpur.
College hostels are known to provide a safe and secure environment. In the wake of daily reports on crime against women, college hostel is perhaps the best bet.
In the case of Maharaja’s College, the situation is no different. The college hostel can accommodate 160 students. The college receives maximum hostel applications from students coming from rural areas who can’t afford private hostels. The percentage of seats allotted for first year students is inadequate in these circumstances. In Commerce and Rajasthan College, only 10% seats are earmarked for freshers. Also with colleges increasing the academic seats by 25%, the scramble for hostel accommodation will intensify. Students groups are demanding that seats in hostels should also be increased accordingly to accommodate more students.
Sumit Bhagasara, former NSUI state president and student leader argued that university should have tie-ups with private hostels to ensure safety and security of girls and boys.
src: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Rajasthan-University-Mad-scramble-begins-for-college-hostel-seats/articleshow/20851081.cms