Despite the pressing need for hostels for couples, the Hyderabad Central University compels married research scholars to live separately during their period of study at the university. A proposal to start a hostel for couples mooted two years ago is still in limbo. Mohammad Ali, a first year research scholar in Gender Studies, and his wife, have to live in rented accommodation. They are from Kerala. “Living off campus not only increases our expenses but also our personal security is compromised. Living outside the campus also hits on our time for research in the labs,” he says.
Currently, there are 32 married couples pursuing research in various streams at the Hyderabad Central University. “Though my husband is a senior research scholar, we have been living in separate hostels because living outside will be a risk, as we are students and need to concentrate on our research work,” says Archanna S., a second year PhD research scholar. Students say that there are 30 rooms for couples but these have been given to non-teaching staff. Mr R.S. Sarraju, chief warden at HCU comments, “This year, five buildings are under construction. However, there is no proposal to provide rooms for couples. We cannot offer separates rooms for one or two pairs. The proposal has to be approved by the Vice Chancellor of the university.” Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, is the only Indian university that has a hostel for married students.