The cowshed stands beside the site of the college’s old hostel, which has been demolished to make way for two new hostels now under construction.
Four years ago, the construction of the cowshed drew criticism from students, who alleged that the land had been allocated for a girls’ hostel. The shed, which currently houses two cows, is wedged between a boundary wall and the open area where the old hostel stood.
According to the college prospectus for 2026-27, its boys’ and girls’ hostels together have a capacity of 200 students. However, hostel facilities are currently unavailable as the buildings are undergoing repair and renovation.
“There are no PGs available for less than ₹10,000. Inside the campus, we have no hostel, but we have a gaushala,” said a student. His friends said the situation reflected the “college’s priorities”.
‘Under construction’
Responding to the students’ allegations, Principal Rama Sharma said the cowshed on the campus should not be described as a gaushala.“Having cows on campus is not the same as having a gaushala. Besides, that space has nothing to do with the hostel area, which is currently under construction,” she said.
“The two new hostels will house 560-600 students. They are being constructed at a cost of ₹80 crore. Construction is progressing and will pick up pace as soon as the funds are arranged,” she said.
PG woes
Aditya Singh Gaur, 18, a Hansraj College student living in a PG, said hostel facilities had been a recurring issue. “Every year, the students’ union promises that it will ensure hostel facilities are available, but it does not happen,” he said.Another student, Anushka, 19, from Haryana, said the cost of PG accommodation was a major burden. “The college should provide us with some funds to pay for the PGs. We spend more on PG than on the course itself. In addition, the rooms are cramped and we have at least three beds in every room,” she said.