Student Housing Crisis Takes Centre Stage in DUSU Elections 2026

The upcoming Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections, scheduled for September 18, have been significantly shaped by a growing crisis regarding student accommodation. The recent collapse of a hostel in Satya Niketan has intensified public discourse, forcing student organisations to prioritise housing, safety, and affordability in their campaign manifestos as they vie for student support.

With the election results set to be announced on September 19, major political groups including the AISA-SFI alliance, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP) have placed the shortage of hostel seats at the heart of their platforms. Current data suggests that less than 5% of Delhi University students are provided with hostel accommodation, a figure that falls well short of the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, which recommend facilities for at least 60% of the student population.

Manifesto Promises and Proposed Reforms

The AISA-SFI alliance has centred its housing agenda on increasing capacity while also advocating for broader academic reforms. Their proposals include a push to revert to Delhi University’s internal entrance examination system in place of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), the removal of mandatory attendance requirements, and a revision of the 45% internal assessment component. Beyond housing, the alliance has pledged to implement 50% reservation for women in the central panel, introduce merit-cum-means fellowships, and provide concessional metro passes for students. Additional social welfare promises include menstrual leave, gender-neutral washrooms, and increased stipends for PhD scholars.

The ABVP has launched its own housing-focused initiative titled the Awas agenda. Their platform emphasises the creation of a dedicated Student Housing Cell and a significant expansion of hostel seats. The organisation has also committed to improving facilities for students with disabilities and increasing student representation within the university’s Academic and Executive Councils. Their safety proposals include the establishment of an Anti-Discrimination and Grievance Cell, the provision of legal aid for sexual harassment cases, and the installation of women-staffed police booths and sanitary napkin vending machines across campus.

Policy Demands and Future Outlook

The Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP) has adopted a more aggressive stance, labelling Hostels for All as one of the four primary pillars of its campaign. The group is actively demanding that the Central Government take responsibility for constructing additional hostels. Furthermore, they have proposed that the government cover the costs of private PG accommodation for students until official university hostel allotments are successfully made.

As the election date approaches, the focus remains firmly on how these organisations plan to address the high costs and safety concerns associated with private housing in the areas surrounding the university. While the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) is expected to release its own manifesto shortly, the current discourse highlights a unified recognition among student leaders that the lack of affordable, secure housing is the most pressing issue facing the Delhi University student community today.