DU Fest season is in full swing at Delhi University (DU) campuses, featuring the customary array of food stalls, games, competitions, and marquee musical performances. While the university administration has introduced new rules to address issues related to noise pollution and the behavior of some student groups.
In response to multiple complaints about loud music disrupting academic activities and disturbing nearby residential areas, DU plans to establish a committee of sound experts. This committee will recommend permissible decibel levels for music during festivals, ensuring that celebrations do not interfere with the university’s academic environment or the peace of surrounding neighborhoods.
Also, the university has made a decision to ban caste-based student groups from reserving campus spaces for their functions. This is done to enhance inclusivity and avoid the vitiation of the campus environment.
Background and Rationale
The move to curtail noise levels has been prompted by frequent complaints by students, teachers, and residents in the area. DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh pointed out that cultural celebrations had to be balanced with the academic obligations of the university. “We are not opposing cultural celebrations, but we have to uphold the dignity of the academic atmosphere,” he said.
On the prohibition of caste-based events, a top DU official said, “All his life, Babasaheb Ambedkar struggled for the eradication of caste from society. By providing space to casteist organizations, we are going against this very principle.”
DU Fest season always brings students together in celebration, but can this new wave of regulation maintain that spirit while respecting academic and community boundaries?
Increased Security Measures
These innovations come in addition to increased security measures implemented last year following instances of sexual harassment during the fest season, especially at women’s colleges. An 18-point advisory requires pre-registration of visitors, filing of event information with the police, and high-level security coordination meetings with concerned agencies prior to conducting any program.
Faculty and Community Concerns
Some of the teachers have complained that some of these events are disorderly. A teacher in the Department of Education, Latika Gupta, made the observation that “A new trend has arisen where groups make reservations for outdoor areas or auditoriums and then use music so loudly as to render instruction and scholarly pursuits impossible.
Student leaders have expressed support for noise regulation at fests but are divided on the prohibition against caste-based groups. Mitravinda Karawal, Secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) member, said, “Fests are a vital aspect of student life and cultural appreciation. Students from all castes and communities study at DU, and they should all feel welcome.
Ronak Khatri, DUSU President belonging to the National Students Union of India (NSUI), contributed, “DU is diverse by nature, and there has to be space for all sorts of peaceful cultural and identity-based activities. Freedom of speech and expression needs to be respected.”
Looking Ahead
With the ongoing DU Fest season, the new regulations at the university seek to make sure that celebrations don’t interfere with academic integrity or community well-being. The recommendations of the upcoming committee regarding noise levels and strict enforcement of event rules will determine the future of campus celebrations.
Stay tuned to our coverage for more updates on DU Fest regulations and student reactions.
ALSO READ