Hostel inmates not fine with arbitrary fines

CHANDIGARH:Students residing in Panjab University hostels are up in arms against the arbitrary fines being imposed on them. Inmates of girl’s hostel No.7 have been told to pay Rs 75 each on account of creating ‘unhygienic conditions in the hostel’.

Bebe Nanki Girls’ Hostel No. 7 at Panjab University. Tribune Photo: S Chandan

Ishrat S Banwait

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 23

Students residing in Panjab University hostels are up in arms against the arbitrary fines being imposed on them. Inmates of girl’s hostel No.7 have been told to pay Rs 75 each on account of creating ‘unhygienic conditions in the hostel’. The inmates claim that they are not being issued any receipt for the same even after having asked for one.

The fine has not been included in the room rent as well and hence the inmates are calling it illegal. A notice for the same has been put up in the hostel and the warden, Simrit Kahlon, said, “It is on record. It is to make students conscious about not taking food from hostels to their rooms and keeping utensils outside as it invites stray animals.” On inquiring about not being issued receipts, the warden denied it saying that a particular student may have come at an inconvenient time.

The inmates informed that even after paying Rs 75, the hygiene and sanitation of the hostel has not changed. One of the inmates says, “Where is the money going? It’s not like they have employed more sweepers now.” Another handwritten notice that has been put up in the hostel informs of a fine of Rs 500 for placing empty utensils in the open on the ground floor.

The warden also informed that the next fine will be imposed on the contractor if he allows any student to take food and utensils to their room.

A similar ban has been started in boys’ Hostel No. 5 as well where the warden has banned all kinds of

disposables. This ensures that food is not being carried to the rooms.

It has been earlier reported that in boys Hostel No. 5, an arbitrary ‘electricity charge’ was imposed on the inmates. Rs 900 was charged per room for the inflated power bill of the hostel. It was not a fine or penalty but electricity charge which students once again claimed to be illegal. The inmates said, “Electricity charges are a part of the room rent and cannot be charged otherwise.” The warden had said that the decision was rolled back but inmates say that the money has not been returned.