NLSIU Bengaluru Students Protest Alleging Water Crisis & Overcrowding In Hostels; Allege Administrative Apathy
As the protest enters second day, students have been refusing to engage with the Registrar, and demanding VC intervention.
Students of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, have been protesting on campus since the night of May 12, alleging persistent neglect of basic hostel amenities, including erratic water supply, severe overcrowding, and unequal amenities between men's and women's hostels.
The agitation, as it enters the second day, was triggered by what students claim is an irregular and insufficient water supply in hostels— affecting bathing, cleaning, and other daily needs. Women students have particularly highlighted that the lack of water during menstruation has gravely impacted their ability to maintain menstrual hygiene and use hostel facilities with dignity.
The absence of adequate water is not a minor inconvenience; it raises serious health concerns, including the risk of urinary tract infections, student participants told LiveLaw. It touches upon bodily dignity, sanitation, privacy, and equal treatment within campus housing, the students added.
Protesters Refuse to Engage with Registrar, Demand VC
The protest commenced around 9 PM on May 12, with students assembling at the campus basketball court and raising slogans. According to students, the Registrar, Dr. Saurabh Bhattacharjee, and the Director of Campus and Residential Life addressed the gathering and assured them that their grievances would be looked into.
However, the students refused to engage with any authority other than the Vice-Chancellor. They contended that these issues were not new and have been repeatedly raised with the University administration in the past. Students alleged that they were routinely informed that no meaningful decision could be taken without the Vice-Chancellor's involvement.
Overcrowding, Unequal Hostel Allocation, Mental Health Services
Apart from the water crisis, students have raised concerns over the University's expansion plan, which they allege is proceeding without the required infrastructural planning. Despite a sharp increase in student intake over the past few years, hostel infrastructure has not kept its pace, the students claimed.
Rooms earlier meant for two occupants have now been converted into three-sharing rooms by installing bunk beds, which feels like staying inside 'matchboxes', students alleged.
Women students further said that overcrowding is far more evident in the women's hostels, with a disproportionate number of bunk-bed rooms compared to the men's hostels, raising questions of unequal treatment in hostel allocation.
Additionally, students have flagged the alleged rollback of mental health services provided through Amaha without adequate student consultation.
Official Student Body Extends Support
The official student body of NLSIU has extended its support to the protest and issued a statement in this regard. Meanwhile, the University administration has not issued any official statement or response.
The story will be updated accordingly as and when more information is received.