Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday directed different departments to take measures to overhaul hostel infrastructure and improve student safety at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) in New Delhi.
CM Gupta ordered the Public Works Department (PWD) to begin urgent repairs and renovation of the aging hostel buildings, the installation of high-intensity LED lights across the campus, enhanced 24x7 CCTV surveillance and increased deployment of security personnel.
A special drive will also be conducted to remove illegal encroachments that pose a threat to student safety and freedom of movement. The Chief Minister further instructed officials to expedite plans for an additional hostel, which has been delayed for years.
These directions came during a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, where the Chief Minister interacted directly with students of MAMC. Senior officials from the Health Department, PWD, MAMC administration, and the student union were also present.
Students described the condition of hostel buildings, with damaged ceilings and cracked walls posing daily risks. Built between 1966 and 1990 to accommodate 1,200 students, the seven hostels are now overcrowded with nearly 3,200 residents. Rooms meant for two students are crammed with up to eight beds, shared cupboards, and no provision for basic amenities like study tables.
Female students voiced particular concern over inadequate lighting at night, lack of security personnel, and the unsafe campus environment. Encroachments inside the premises were reported as frequent hurdles to safe movement.
Expressing serious concern, CM Rekha Gupta said, “We are fully committed to ensuring that every student in Delhi receives a secure and enabling atmosphere. Our government stands with students with transparency, accountability, and sensitivity. Students of prestigious institutions like MAMC are our future, and we will extend every possible support to them.â€
Calling the situation “gravely concerning,†she criticised past governments for allowing such neglect to persist. To ensure accountability, she directed all departments to submit progress reports every 15 days and announced her own visit to the MAMC campus in the coming days.