HostelIssues – LHMC Responds After Student Protests Over Living Conditions

HostelIssues –  A day after students staged protests highlighting poor hostel conditions, the administration of Lady Hardinge Medical College issued a detailed statement responding to the concerns raised. The issues brought forward by residents included sanitation lapses, food quality in mess facilities, stray dog presence, and the absence of adequate cooling systems in hostels.

Administration Acknowledges Student Concerns

In its response released on Wednesday, the college confirmed that several complaints had been raised over the past few weeks. Officials stated that discussions had already taken place involving student representatives, hostel management, and senior authorities. These meetings were aimed at understanding the scale of the problems and identifying practical steps to address them.

The administration emphasized that it is actively reviewing the situation and working towards improving basic living standards within the hostel premises.

Steps Planned for Hygiene and Infrastructure

Addressing sanitation and infrastructure issues, the college noted that efforts are underway to improve staff efficiency and availability. Measures include reorganising workforce deployment, regulating staff leave, and requesting additional personnel from higher authorities.

Officials indicated that these steps are expected to improve cleanliness and maintenance in hostels, though they acknowledged that implementation may take time due to administrative procedures.

Mess Operations and Financial Challenges

On the issue of food quality and mess services, the administration clarified that daily operations are not directly handled by the college. Instead, the hostel mess functions under a contractual system overseen by the students’ union.

One of the key challenges affecting food services is the accumulation of unpaid dues. According to the administration, students collectively owe nearly Rs 30 lakh to the current vendor. This outstanding amount has reportedly delayed the appointment of a new contractor.

Students with pending payments are now being formally notified, and the administration has indicated that further action may be taken if dues remain unsettled. Officials stressed that clearing these payments is essential for improving mess services.

Measures to Address Safety Concerns

The presence of stray dogs within hostel premises was another major concern raised by students. In response, the college stated that additional security personnel have been deployed and entry control measures strengthened to limit animal movement inside residential areas.

The administration also confirmed coordination with the New Delhi Municipal Council and animal welfare organisations to manage the stray dog population. Steps such as engaging trained personnel to handle stray animals and conducting regular monitoring rounds have been initiated.

Students have been advised not to feed stray animals within the campus, as this can contribute to the problem.

Cooling Infrastructure and Future Plans

With rising temperatures becoming a concern, students had also demanded air-conditioning facilities in hostels. The administration responded by citing safety risks, particularly the possibility of electrical overload in existing buildings.

However, officials stated that a proposal has already been submitted to the Union Health Ministry for the development of a modern hostel equipped with air-conditioning and improved infrastructure. This proposal is currently under consideration.

Ongoing Dialogue Between Students and Authorities

The administration concluded by reiterating its commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for students. It also highlighted the importance of continued communication between students and authorities to resolve issues effectively.

While immediate fixes may take time, the college indicated that both short-term and long-term solutions are being pursued to address the concerns raised during the protests.