NHRC asks State, UGC to draw up plan to address Delhi University hostel shortage

A view of the NHRC office in New Delhi on November 04, 2009. File The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) directed the Delhi government and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to prepare a comprehensive, time-bound plan to address the shortage of adequate and affordable hostel accommodation for students of the University of Delhi, particularly for those coming from outside the national capital.This came days after a building housing paying guest (PG) accommodation collapsed in Satya Niketan, leaving seven dead.In a notice issued on September 7, the NHRC asked the Delhi Chief Secretary and the UGC Chairman to work with the Delhi University and submit a detailed action plan by October 15, 2026.According to the notice, the Commission took up the issue in 2025 following a complaint filed by the Network for Access to Justice and Multidisciplinary Outreach Foundation, which highlighted the shortage of hostel accommodation at Delhi University.The complaint pointed out that the university has around 72,000 undergraduate students, while hostel facilities remain inadequate. Students from outside Delhi often have to rely on expensive paying guest (PG) accommodation or private rented premises, adding to their financial burden and affecting their education and well-being.The matter was considered by an NHRC Bench headed by Priyank Kanoongo on September 30, 2025. The Commission had sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the authorities.When the report was not submitted within the stipulated period, the Commission issued a reminder and granted additional time. Delhi University subsequently submitted its response, which was taken on record.The university said its undergraduate programmes are offered through 65 constituent and affiliated colleges. It also acknowledged the accommodation difficulties faced by students from outside Delhi, and referred to the need for infrastructure improvements, including additional and new hostel facilities.The NHRC, however, said the response did not adequately address the core issue raised in the complaint. The university had not provided a clear assessment of its existing hostel capacity or the extent of the shortfall. It had also not specified the additional capacity required, the need for new hostels, the financial responsibilities involved, or a definite timeline for addressing the shortage.As per the notice, the Delhi Chief Secretary and the UGC Chairman should work with the varsity on a detailed plan covering both existing and new infrastructure. The plan will have to assess the existing hostel capacity and infrastructure, and examine the possibility of renovating, upgrading and expanding current facilities. It will also have to assess the feasibility and requirement of new or additional hostels, as well as the hostel requirements of individual colleges.The authorities have also been asked to spell out the proposed interventions, identify institutional and financial responsibilities, and provide a clear implementation timeline. Published - September 08, 2026 06:46 pm IST