Delhi Medical College Students Stage Protest Over Dire Living Conditions
Students at Delhi's prestigious Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) have launched a vocal protest against what they describe as appalling living conditions on campus, raising serious concerns about food safety, hygiene, and personal security. The agitation highlights multiple systemic failures affecting the student community.
Insect-Infested Food and Recurring Health Complaints
According to students speaking anonymously, the college mess has repeatedly served food contaminated with insects and larvae. Visual evidence shared on social media platforms shows cooked meals with visible insect presence, corroborating student accounts.
"There have been several instances where students only realized the food was contaminated after consuming it," one student revealed. "Some have fallen ill as a result, yet our complaints about insects in meals have brought no improvement."
The students allege that efforts to replace the current mess contractor have been stalled due to pending dues. "We're told a fresh tender can only be issued if outstanding mess fees are cleared," explained another student. "Many students previously stopped using the mess and withheld payment because of the poor food quality."
Stray Dog Menace and Safety Concerns
Beyond food safety, students report a recurring threat from stray dogs roaming freely within hostel premises. Multiple incidents of dog bites have been documented, with students alleging inadequate response from administration despite repeated complaints.
"There have been cases of dog bites, but nothing has changed despite our complaints," a student stated. "When we raise this issue, we're told we can move out, but staying outside campus is financially unfeasible for most of us."
Infrastructure deficiencies exacerbate the problem, with poor ventilation forcing students to keep doors open at night. "That makes it easier for dogs to enter; once, I woke up to find one sleeping right next to me," shared a female student, highlighting the severity of the security lapse.
Inadequate Facilities and Summer Suffering
Students describe additional hardships including waterlogging in hostel areas and extreme heat in rooms due to insufficient cooling arrangements. The situation becomes particularly unbearable during Delhi's scorching summers, with hostel rooms becoming "unbreathable" according to affected students.
In response, students have requested permission to install air conditioning units at their own expense, seeking relief from the oppressive conditions that affect both study and rest.
Administrative Response and Legal Context
LHMC Director Sarita Beri confirmed to media that the administration is investigating the matter and engaging in discussions with students to address their concerns. However, students report that concrete action remains elusive.
The presence of stray dogs on campus violates Supreme Court directives requiring educational institutions, hospitals, and other public premises to remove such animals from their campuses, secure the spaces, and prevent their entry.
While official data on dog bite incidents at LHMC is unavailable, screenshots from a common hostel WhatsApp group indicate at least three reported cases in recent months—occurring on February 17, February 19, and March 17.
Organized Protest and External Support
On Monday, students organized a campus protest demanding immediate corrective measures. They carried posters with messages including: "If warden gets AC, why can't students?", "We left our homes for education, not neglect", and "We deserve dignity."
A follow-up meeting between protesting students and the students' union took place on Tuesday to formalize demands and seek resolution pathways.
The Federation of All India Medical Association has expressed solidarity with the protesting students and called for intervention from the Union Health Ministry and National Medical Commission to address the deteriorating conditions at one of India's prominent medical institutions.
