Students irked after Mumbai University restricts entry at two gates on Kalina campus
On November 15, the University of Mumbai announced that only the main gate would remain open at all times. Pics/Poonam Bathija
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A new security measure adopted at the University of Mumbai’s Kalina campus has left the student community disgruntled. In a circular dated November 15, the university had announced that only one of its three gates would remain open at all times. The move has forced many students to either walk longer distances or shell out extra cash to access the main gate.
Atique Shaikh and Sambhaji Shinde
Apart from the main entrance at Kalina, the university has two other gates — one at the Kurla end, and the other near Grand Hyatt. Most students prefer using the Hyatt gate to avoid traffic congestion in Kalina and Kurla. However, to tighten security on the campus, the university officials have decided to restrict the use of the two gates. While the Kurla gate will only be open between 7 am and 11 am and again from 5.30 pm to 7 pm, the Hyatt gate, which will be open from 7 am to 8 pm, will be mostly for the staff.
“We understand that they want to restrict entry on campus, but students holding valid identity cards should not suffer. My home is walking distance from the Kurla gate. Why should I have to spend time and money to come from the Kalina gate?” asked student Sambhaji Shinde.
Atique Shaikh, who is doing an advanced diploma in Arabic studies, and also uses the Kurla gate, said, “The library is open till 6 pm on regular days and till 8 pm when exams approach. The study rooms are also accessible till midnight. How are these timings to use the gates student-friendly?”
Imran Kausar, master’s student at the Kalina campus, said, “It is good to know that the university is looking at security concerns on the campus. But, why are students being inconvenienced?” “There is no logic behind the university’s decision,” said Santosh Gangurde, student leader from Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena.
When contacted, Dr MA Khan, registrar of the university, said, “Entry and exit at the Kurla gate has been restricted because it is near the vice-chancellor’s residence and the examination house. It cannot be kept open for all. The other gate will function under security. We have considered the students’ convenience before taking the decision. However, if we notice any major problem, we will review the situation.”
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