Pune: An incident has come to light involving some long-term residents of the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Student Hostel on Ghole Road engaging in alcohol-fueled parties. The lack of CCTV monitoring and ineffective security measures have led to increased disorder, causing distress to serious students.
Students from all over the state come to Pune for education. Since the cost of living in Pune is unaffordable for poor and backward class students, the municipality has built a large hostel with 108 rooms on Ghole Road, accommodating 400 students.
This free lodging in the heart of the city provides financial support to the students. Additionally, the municipality deposits Rs. 2,150 per month directly into the bank accounts of these students to cover meal expenses.
The hostel admits students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, as well as those with EWS certificates.
After being admitted to the hostel in the 11th grade or the first year of their degree, students are expected to vacate the hostel upon completing their course. However, some students continue to stay by enrolling in another degree or postgraduate program.
Despite the PMC providing free accommodation and meal allowances, it has come to light that alcohol parties have been occurring in the hostel.
During a raid by municipal officials, bottles of alcohol, cigarette packs, and tobacco pouches were found. Following this discovery, the Social Development Department has expelled 14 students from the hostel and has requested seven additional security guards.
Nitin Udas, Deputy Commissioner of the Social Development Department, stated, "Alcohol consumption in the municipal hostel has come to our attention, leading to the expulsion of 14 students.
There is usually one security guard per shift, but now more security personnel will be appointed. Additionally, surprise inspections will be conducted in the hostel going forward."
