In view of the coronavirus pandemic, DU Hostels had asked the students to vacate the premises back in March. The Delhi University has now directed its hostels to allow re-entry of Ph.D. students in a phased manner but they must quarantine themselves in their room for 14 days. In a notice issued on August 19, the varsity has asked hostels to give first preference to the senior Ph.D. students followed by other Ph.D. students. The University has also asked the hostels not to charge mess fees and charge only 50 percent of the monthly electricity and water charges from the residents, who vacated their rooms post varsity’s notification on March 19, for the entire duration of their absence. The common rooms and gyms will continue to remain closed till further notice, however, the computer lab, TV room, library, and reading will be open with given safety measures applied. The residents will not be allowed to leave the hostel premises except for a medical emergency.
“Hostels are advised to allow only registered bonafide Ph.D. students to come back to the hostels in a phased manner… However, such residents will have to mandatory follow 14-days self-quarantine in their respective hostel rooms followed by their screening by the WUS Health Center,” the notice mentioned.
After completion of the quarantine period, residents will be allowed to attend their respective research laboratories and provide evidence for the same to the hostel authorities in the form of a letter by their research supervisors.
The official notice also said, “The University of Delhi recognizes that it is very essential to interact with the hostel residents on a regular basis for an update on their difficulties and boost their morale. Therefore, Hostel Authorities are advised to devise a method to ensure the availability of at least one person for regular interaction with the residents.”
Hostels are advised to sanitize the hostel premises on a regular basis and to maintain a safe and hygienic atmosphere within the premises. Final year students who wish to vacate their rooms may also be allowed to collect their belongings under the strict supervision of the hostel authorities. Though such students are required to pay their dues and take the clearance from the hostel first.
