Banaras Hindu University (BHU) made history on Thursday when the 101-year-old university appointed its first ever female chief proctor.
The key appointment of Royana Singh, a professor at the anatomy department of BHU’s Institute of Medical Science, comes at a time when the university is facing significant backlash for victim-shaming a woman who was allegedly molested on campus last week.
Singh was appointed by BHU Vice Chancellor Girish Chandra Tripathi after ON Singh resigned as the chief proctor on Tuesday night, taking “moral responsibility” for the lathicharge on protesting students. Following his resignation, Mahendra Singh was appointed as the interim chief proctor.
Besides the anatomy department, Singh is currently serving as the head of the women grievance cell at the university. She had earlier served as deputy chief proctor.
In an interview to The Times of India, Singh denounced alcohol and dress code restrictions for female students on campus.
‘No Restrictions Allowed’
Singh, who was born in France and named after the French town Royan, told The Times of India:
Putting a dressing restriction on girls would be like imposing it on myself. You start your day at 6 am and end at 10:30 pm, and if you still can’t wear what you feel comfortable in, then it is a shame in this era.Royana Singh, BHU Chief Proctor
She further said it was “strange” that boys used words such as "skimpily clad" when what girls wear should be about their comfort.
‘Ensure Safety of Female Students’
Talking about the alleged molestation case, Singh said she would take measures to sensitise the guards and staff at the university campus. She said:
Girls can move anywhere and at any time. As a chairperson of grievance cell until recently, I have taken up such issues and addressed them to restore the dignity of women. We will sensitise guards and wardens on these sensitive topics.
She further said that BHU would install CCTV cameras, a better lighting system, and would restrict entry of big cars and trolleys on campus.
Women would be more comfortable sharing things with a female.Royana Singh
‘Why Stop Women From Drinking?’
Reiterating that girls should be allowed to live freely, Singh said:
As far as drinking is concerned, all girls here are above 18, why should we even impose such a thought on them?
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