Safety a priority, will setup process to appoint women as security guards: BHU chief proctor
Face to face with Prof Royana Singh, chief proctor, Banaras Hindu University.
Prof Royana Singh, who became the first woman chief proctor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on Thursday, has a tough task ahead. She has to instil confidence among the girls of the varsity, who were victims of police lathi-charge last Saturday that was followed by violence on the campus. She is a professor at the institute of medical sciences (IMS-BHU) where she has been a student too. She has worked in various capacities at the varsity. Sudhir Kumar speaks to the new chief proctor:
What is your plan to enhance security of girls?
All sensitive locations have been identified. Lights and security arrangements are being increased at these spots. Besides, installation of CCTV cameras at 65 locations on the varsity premises is already in progress. We are taking several other steps to enhance security further.
Have you chalked out any specific security plan?
BHU has its own security plan. Under the plan, only ex-servicemen are appointed as security guards. I will focus on effective implementation of the plan. With support and guidance of senior professors and the vice-chancellor, we will fortify security to new heights.
Will you accelerate efforts to get women security guards appointed at the varsity?
Yes. The university is making efforts to appoint female security guards in a systematic way. I will make whatever efforts I can to speed up the process to appoint women security guards. The vice chancellor has issued orders to take support of senior students of physical education in security under earn-while-you-learn scheme. We will also do that. We are dedicated to ensure proper security to each and every girl student.
It has been seen that usually male students indulge in fights and create trouble. How will you control such students?
I appeal to all the students to keep their identity cards with them all the time since I am going to make surprise checks. This will help us in a great way in keeping things in order. Dialogue is a best way to sort out the problems.
How will you control movement of outsiders on the campus?
As you know, temple and hospital are on the varsity premises. The people come and go. The external traffic can’t be stopped. Rules of varsity can be applied only on university students and employees. We will chalk out a complete plan to control external elements. After that, we will request district administration to help us.
Is there any plan to restrict traffic movement on roads close to girls hostels?
Yes. We are going to implement it in Triveni complex area very soon. After certain hours, only employees and those living in the area will be allowed for come and go on the basis of identity cards. Women safety has always been a priority of BHU.
Will your appointment strengthen women grievance cell further?
It functions in a dedicated manner ever since it was constituted in 2013. The committee is dedicated for the safety and security of females of the BHU. “We care for you” is the motto of the women grievance cell wherein help (on 8004922000 or through email — wgcbhu@gmail.com) is available 365 days. The details have been put on display on the boards at the hostels and also on notice boards of all the institutes of BHU. A dedicated team will be made available within 10 minutes of the complaint being made over phone or email. The aim is not only to find the solution to the problem at hand but also hold workshops among students and faculty members so that women feel safe.
