To give security to BHU or not- CISF in a bind

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), is considering a proposal to provide security cover to the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

Last year, the request to seek CISF security was moved by the Vice-Chancellor of the BHU, GC Tripathi to the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (HRD) and Union Home Ministry. Finding the request worthy of, the Home Ministry forwarded the proposal to the CISF.

The BHU has sought CISF protection to tackle the students' unrest. The request is still under consideration, said Director General of CISF, OP Singh.

The BHU has been witnessing frequent protests by students demanding resumption of union elections that have remained in abeyance since 1996 when two students were killed in group clashes.

If the elite force decides to provide security to the BHU, it will be the second UGC controlled institution after Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Jaipur to get CISF protection.

"In all 23 educational institutions, including BHU, have sought CISF cover to tackle the problems related to students," Singh said.

Officials dealing with the security, however, believe that giving security to BHU will open the floodgates prompting other universities to seek CISF protection that does not cheap.

"It's requires serious thinking as other universities like JNU and Hyderabad that have seen violent protests of late may also start demanding CISF security cover. This in turn will impact the fee structure of the students' or else the central government will have to subsidise it," said an official.