Jaipur: As the new academic session and hostel admissions approach, students at several hostels of Rajasthan University have complained of poor infrastructure, inadequate sanitation and lack of basic amenities, saying the conditions are affecting both their health and studies. At Maharaja College’s Gokhale Hostel, students alleged that drinking water, sanitation and maintenance remain major concerns. “The rooms are smelly and there is no proper drinking water. Sometimes we have to fetch cold water from public taps outside the hostel. It affects our concentration on studies,” said Arun Mehta, a second-year BSc student. H. Harish, a third-year BSc student from Tamil Nadu, said the hostel lacked even basic safety and hygiene. “There are no locks on toilet doors, plaster is falling from the ceiling and washrooms are rarely cleaned. It is both unsafe and unhygienic,” he said. A visit by TOI found broken toilet doors, poorly maintained washrooms and unhygienic mess facilities. The hostel library had empty shelves, while the gymnasium had been converted into a storage space for scrap. Gokhale Hostel warden Vijay Pal attributed the problems to a shortage of funds. “Repairs take time because of limited funds. Waterproofing has been completed before the monsoon, and washrooms will be repaired after examinations so work can be carried out when the hostel is vacant,” he said. He added that the administration plans to admit around 120 students after the repairs. Students at Rajasthan College’s Vivekanand Hostel also raised safety concerns. “Cracks are visible in the mess ceiling. Instead of repairing it, bamboo poles have been placed underneath for support,” said a first-year BA student. In contrast, residents of Commerce College’s Maharana Pratap Hostel praised its maintenance. “The warden responds promptly to students’ complaints, which has helped keep the hostel in good condition,” said second-year BCA student Dhairya Goyal.
