Srinagar, November 10: More than 300 female postgraduate students at the University of Kashmir are reportedly struggling to secure hostel accommodation due to the existing 50-kilometre eligibility criterion, prompting students and parents to urge the university administration to reconsider the policy.
Under the prevailing rules, students whose permanent residences fall within a 50-kilometre radius of the university's Main Campus are generally not eligible to apply for hostel accommodation. Students say the restriction has created difficulties for those who must travel long distances daily while managing demanding academic schedules.
They have argued that distance alone should not determine eligibility, particularly for female students attending laboratory sessions, practical classes, research activities and other academic engagements that often continue beyond regular university hours.
Shaiza Aslam, a postgraduate student from Khansahib in Budgam, said she lives approximately 47 kilometres from the university and was unable to apply for hostel accommodation because of the existing restriction.
She said students frequently reach home late in the evening after completing their academic responsibilities and appealed to the Chancellor to intervene in the matter.
The issue has also placed an additional financial burden on families who cannot afford private accommodation near the campus.
A parent from Airzal in Beerwah said his daughter usually returns home around 7 pm after attending university activities. He said he had explored renting a room at Nigeen Lane, Hazratbal, but was quoted Rs 10,000 per month by the landlord.
The parent, who said he earns his livelihood through farming, questioned how families with limited financial resources could manage such expenses. He suggested reducing the distance eligibility limit from 50 kilometres to 40 kilometres to accommodate students facing genuine commuting difficulties.
A postgraduate student from the Chemistry Department also sought special consideration for Science students, pointing out that laboratory work, practical sessions and research assignments often require them to remain on campus for extended periods.
She said students pursuing Science programmes need sufficient practical exposure and should not have to compromise their academic commitments because of lengthy daily journeys.
Students and parents have consequently called for a review of the hostel allotment policy, seeking relaxation in the distance requirement for female postgraduate students, particularly those enrolled in Science departments and courses involving extensive practical work.
Apart from changes to the existing eligibility criteria, parents have also stressed the need to expand hostel infrastructure to address the growing demand for accommodation.
One parent suggested that the university seek financial assistance from the Jammu and Kashmir Government for constructing a large girls' hostel with a proposed capacity of around 1,000 rooms, similar to the residential facilities developed by the National Institute of Technology.
They believe that additional hostel infrastructure would provide a sustainable solution to the accommodation shortage and ease the difficulties faced by students from different parts of Kashmir.
The students and their parents have urged the Chancellor and university authorities to examine the issue and introduce necessary changes so that deserving female students are not denied accommodation solely because of the existing distance-based eligibility restriction.
