Nizam College UG students protest PG accommodation in girls’ hostel

Hyderabad: Tensions escalated near Nizam College on Monday as students rallied against the admissions policy of the college’s hostel for girls.

Gathering at Basheerbagh Square, the students criticised the principal for allowing postgraduate (PG) students to occupy the hostel, which they argued should be reserved exclusively for undergraduate (UG) students.

The protest, which began in the morning, caused significant traffic disruptions from Liberty to Abids, leading to heavy jams in the area.

UG students have no place to stay

The students’ primary grievance centred on their inability to secure accommodation in the hostel, particularly after the UG girls’ hostel was constructed in 2022. At that time, due to lower UG admissions, PG students were permitted to stay in the hostel.

“Last year, there were fewer UG admissions, so the management allowed PG students to stay in the hostel,” said Priya Reddy, an undergraduate student. “But this year, with a higher number of UG admissions, we are left with no place to stay.”

Students can’t afford costly private hostels

The students expressed their frustration over the high costs of private hostels in the city.

“We can’t afford private hostels because of the high fees and maintenance charges,” stated Anjali Singh, another protesting student. “The hostel was built for us, and it’s unfair that we are being denied accommodation.”

The protestors demanded that the principal personally address their concerns and prioritise UG students for hostel admissions.

“We want the principal to come out and assure us that UG students will be given priority,” said Sandeepa Kumar, a student leader. “We will continue our agitation until we get a resolution.”

The college administration has yet to release an official statement regarding the protests and the students’ demands. As the situation develops, the students remain steadfast in their resolve to secure their right to affordable housing.