Delhi University has directed its colleges, departments and hostels to conduct comprehensive campus safety audits and submit detailed reports by 5 p.m. on October 12, with the exercise focusing on lighting, CCTV surveillance, security arrangements and infrastructure risks affecting women’s safety.
The direction was issued by DU Proctor Manoj Singh after an online meeting on October 9 with college principals, deans, directors, heads of departments, hostel provosts, wardens and resident tutors. The university said the reports would help identify specific shortcomings across its campuses and support action on campus and women’s safety.
“Delhi University has colleges and campuses spread across the city. The objective is first to collect data on where and what can be improved so that we can give the report to the LG and CM, and accordingly action for campus and women safety can be taken,” Mr. Singh said, according to the university statement.
The audit will require authorities to identify poorly lit areas and blind spots, repair non-functional lights and install additional streetlights where necessary. Officials have also been asked to assess locations for strategically placed CCTV cameras. Overgrown trees that obstruct natural light are to be pruned, while other potential safety hazards must be identified and recorded.
Colleges and university units may submit the information in hard copy or digital format. The lists are expected to specify infrastructure and safety concerns related to women, allowing the university to compile a consolidated account of issues across its geographically dispersed campuses.
The meeting also considered an increased police presence near colleges and hostels. Proposals included deploying dedicated surveillance teams at strategic locations, installing more pink booths for women and strengthening the operations of the Vamika police van, which the university statement described as having rapid-response capabilities.
The university said gender-sensitisation workshops would be organised in collaboration with the Delhi Police. It also plans to offer a seven-day self-defence crash course for students. Helpline numbers 1091 and 112 are to be displayed prominently and communicated across college and campus premises.
The safety review will extend beyond surveillance and policing. Officials have been asked to examine the structural condition of campus buildings, colleges and hostels in coordination with the Engineering Department. Any issues requiring urgent repairs are to be included in the reports submitted to the university.
The exercise follows heightened attention to the safety and living conditions experienced by Delhi University students, including those who travel through or stay in areas surrounding college campuses. The university’s statement said the measures were intended to identify concerns promptly and address them systematically. The immediate milestone is the October 12 deadline for colleges and other units to submit their audit findings.
