DCW issues notice to Hindu College principal

 Delhi Commission for Women’s (DCW’s) head, Swati Maliwal has issued a notice to the Principal of the Delhi University’s Hindu college over not providing accommodation to girls in the hostel.

“DCW has received a representation from students of the college regarding high fee structure and ‘discriminatory rules’ for girls in the newly-constructed 200-seat hostel,” said Maliwal. According to a statement of DCW, the representation reads: “The college is not yet providing accommodation to girls in the hostel despite the hostel having been constructed.”

The notice issued to Principal Anju Srivastava reads: “Prima facie, such an act by the college appears to be discriminatory and a violation of the Constitutional rights of women. The fact that a prestigious college such as Hindu College has allegedly taken such a step is even more disturbing.”

The notice further adds: “The Delhi Commission for Women therefore, directs you to respond to all allegations raised in the complaint received from the students of Hindu College.”

Srivastava has been asked to send her reply within 48 hours of the notice, failing which, action under the appropriate sections of law will be taken. The Delhi Commission for Women Act, 1994, mandates the DCW to investigate and examine all matters relating to safeguards provided for women in Delhi.