Pinjra Tod: Happy to Have DCW Act, but Fight Still Far From Over

Hindu College’s new women’s hostel has shallow, restrictive rules for women and is forbiddingly expensive. (Photo: Facebook/Pinjra Tod)

Pinjra Tod, a movement that galvanised women students across Indian universities, finally got a statutory body to act, an action the student body says “ shall instil confidence in many women students.”

On 7th May, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) issued notices to 23 registered universities in Delhi, instituting an inquiry based on a report that the student group had submitted to the Commission in November last year.

However, they say the fight is still far from over, even as Jamia Milia Islamia that had promised to review its hostel rules, has actually not walked the talk.

Likewise, little progress has been made by the Hindu College administration in revising the fees and discriminatory rules in their upcoming women’s hostel despite being served notices by both the NCW and the DCW.

Also Read: Pinjra Tod Gets DCW to Question Universities About ‘Sexist’ Rules

The movement, which aims to thwart sexist rules and regulations that exist in women’s hostels and PGs, also protests against the unequal deadlines/curfews for women students that start as early as 5.30pm; against tedious processes for acquiring late nights/night-outs, and everyday moral policing by wardens and hostel authorities in general.

But according to Pinjra Tod, the winds of change are being seen, as the movement which initially took shape in the context of universities in Delhi, has received an overwhelming response from women students across the country, from Patiala to Chennai and Bhopal, all clamouring for equality in our universities.