Women can't even protest against Jamia's new curfew-timing: Here's why
Three months after relaxing curfew timing for women in hostels to 10:30 PM, Jamia Millia Islamia has updated its timings again to 9 PM. While it has naturally upset students, they can't even protest about it. The University has also issued a new 'Hostel Manual' introducing new restrictions for female students. Here are the details.
Now, women will have to submit copies of rail/air tickets
Those seeking hostel facilities for the session 2018-19 will have to follow stricter rules. For example, restrictions will be put on taking hostel leaves and going out of hostel premises during the night on weekdays will be more problematic. For outstation trips, they'll have to submit copies of rail/train tickets. Unsurprisingly, no such handbook has been issued to male students of the esteemed university.
Not only diktat, women aren't allowed to protest either
If the discriminatory rules weren't enough, the authorities made women sign an undertaking prohibiting them to protest against the new rules. "I will not indulge in any protest or Signature Campaign against Hostel Rules, Regulations or timing. I accept that freely and fully," the undertaking read. It also added failing to tow the line with hostel rules may lead to cancellation of facilities.
Naturally, women are angry at these new rules
As part of new rules, the students won't be allowed to visit another hostel after 11:30 PM as internal gates would be closed too. Female students were obviously upset with the new rules and called it an attack on fundamental rights. "The threat of expulsion from the hostel is nothing but an attempt to silence resistance of women," a third-year student said.
It was only in March that curfew-time was extended
It was after relentless protests by women that curfew time was extended from 8 PM to 10:30 PM in March. The March 19 protest started after a girl was not allowed to collect food she had ordered as it was 'past curfew time'.
Meanwhile, Jamia officials say curfew-time rolled back after 'problems'
Divulging reason behind this new set of rules, University's provost Azra Khursheed told they tried relaxation for two months but it didn't work out. "There were many problems and now we have revised the brochures on Vice-Chancellor's command," he said. Another spokesperson said parents complained about safety issues and didn't want girls to be out till 10:30 PM.
While authorities are adamant, students may decide to protest
The spokesperson added the curfew of 9 PM is far generous as compared to other hostels like Indraprastha College and Lady Sriram College. "If some students don't want any restrictions, they are free to seek accommodation elsewhere," he said. Meanwhile, a second-year student said they are planning to meet authorities and if demands are not met, they will protest.
