Mumbai University shifts PhD scholars to far-off hostel, curfew hampers research and lectures

Madam Cama Girls Hostel, Churchgate. PhD students allege strict 8 pm curfew and logistical difficulties, resisting the move to new hostel from Kalina. Pic/Sayed Sameer Abedi

A group of PhD scholars residing at Mumbai University's Kalina campus have found themselves caught in an unwelcome move. A recent circular from the university stated:

"Only those students pursuing a PhD who have to report for daily lab/experimental work should be recommended by the Head of Department for hostel admission. The recommendation for accommodation of PhD students should be made in Madam Cama Hostel."

Following this circular, some wardens from the women's hostels at Kalina campus have begun asking PhD students, especially those from humanities departments, to shift to the Madam Cama Hostel near Nariman Point. While students have raised concerns about the subpar quality of the mess at the Cama hostel, their primary objection lies with the strict ‘in-time' rules.

"At Kalina, we can return by 10 pm. But at Cama, the in-time is 8 pm. Even getting a late pass, which only extends the time to 10 pm, is very difficult," said a PhD scholar who previously stayed at the Cama hostel and requested to shift to Kalina.

These students often attend coursework lectures that run until 6 pm at Kalina. Navigating the Santacruz traffic, catching a train to Churchgate, and making it to Nariman Point leaves them with barely any time for personal errands or downtime.

"The Cama hostel houses younger students, which is why they enforce such strict timings. But it makes no sense to apply the same rules to an 18-year-old and a 28-year-old," the scholar added.

While humanities students may not require labs, they frequently spend long hours at the Kalina library accessing research journals. According to them, the Fort campus library doesn't hold the books relevant to their work.

"The Kalina library is open till 9 pm, which helps. Also, our research guides are often occupied with Master's students until late evening. Reaching them after 5 pm and still making it to the hostel by 8 pm is impossible," said a 30-year-old researcher currently staying at Kalina.

In addition to their research, many PhD students take up teaching assignments or go on fieldwork.

"I often conduct surveys across suburban Mumbai, so staying at Kalina makes logistical sense. Reaching Cama on time after a day in the field or meeting a professor is nearly impossible," said another scholar, who has been asked to vacate the Kalina hostel by August 5.

When mid-day contacted residents at the Cama hostel, they confirmed the strict entry timings but declined further comment due to the hostel's media policy.
On Wednesday, July 30, a group of male students at the Kalina campus approached senior university officials to raise concerns about the ongoing hostel space crunch. However, they were not given any clear direction.

A senior university official told mid-day, "These decisions are being made to address the space crunch in our hostels. The female students have not formally approached us yet. Once they do, we'll certainly consider their concerns."

10 pm
Curfew at Kalina