Students brave heat as indefinite protest continues over hostel issues, fee hikes and internal complaints committees
New Delhi, July 26: The ongoing indefinite sit-in protest by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) entered its sixth consecutive day on Saturday, as the Delhi University administration remains silent on key student welfare demands.
The protest, which began earlier this week, has witnessed the active participation of hundreds of students despite intense summer heat and humidity. Students have been gathering daily in large numbers, demanding long-pending reforms related to fees, hostels, and student safety.
What Are the Students Demanding?
According to ABVP and DUSU, their protest is focused on four major issues:
- One Course, One Fee policy for all postgraduate courses
- Centralised Hostel Allocation System across Delhi University
- Fully functional Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) in all colleges
- Immediate rollback of arbitrary fee hikes in various departments
In a press release, ABVP stated that the university has so far only responded partially on the matter of hostels, while completely ignoring the rest of the demands. Students claim this selective approach reflects the administration’s lack of seriousness.
“Is the University Listening?”
Speaking to the media, Sarthak Sharma, ABVP Delhi State Secretary, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the university's stance.
“It has been six days, and yet the university administration remains asleep. It seems they are completely indifferent to students’ voices. Is this the same university that claims to shape the future of its students?” he asked.
Sharma added that the protest would continue indefinitely until every demand is met and that students will not back down.
Cultural Resistance: Kargil Vijay Diwas Observed
In a unique move, ABVP organised an Open Mic Competition on Friday at the protest site to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, honouring the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces.
Students used poetry, speeches and songs to pay tribute to the nation’s heroes while also expressing their own struggles.
Protesters have been raising slogans, performing street plays and singing motivational songs to maintain morale and solidarity among participants.
Allegations of Corruption and Neglect
ABVP and DUSU have accused the Delhi University administration of corruption and insensitivity towards student welfare. Protest leaders allege that the officials are deliberately avoiding dialogue and are not addressing students’ concerns in a transparent manner.
“We are not here for political mileage. We are asking for what every student deserves – fair fees, safe campuses and a proper hostel system. The silence from the administration shows how disconnected they are,” said one of the protesting students.
Growing Pressure on the Administration
With each passing day, the pressure is mounting on Delhi University authorities to break their silence and initiate a formal dialogue with the students. The continued protest has also drawn attention from other student groups and civil society voices, who are urging the administration to respond constructively.
No official statement or assurance has been released by Delhi University so far, leaving students increasingly frustrated and determined to escalate their agitation if needed.
What Happens Next?
As the protest enters a crucial phase, all eyes are now on the university’s Vice Chancellor and the higher administration. The coming days will determine whether this student movement leads to genuine reform or continues to face institutional apathy.
For now, the message from the students is clear: “We will not leave until our voices are heard.”