Ahmedabad: After a clash between foreign and local students on Saturday night, Gujarat University (GU) authorities have decided to allocate a separate block on the hostel campus for all foreign students. They will be relocated to this block within three days.

It is learnt that, despite being ready for a year, this hostel block has remained unused due to a lack of Building Usage Permission from the administration and connection to necessary amenities. The building will now be prepared urgently.

GU Vice Chancellor Dr. Neerja Gupta announced on Sunday that the university currently has approximately 280 international students enrolled in various courses. She further stated that all hostel blocks will have round-the-clock security overseen by former army personnel.

The clash occurred in Block A of the University Hostel, which has been accommodating foreign students for the past four years. These students have been receiving all the facilities provided to local students, along with extra amenities, including a stipend and house allowance every month.

The 50-year-old GU Hostel has four blocks namely A, B, C, and D. Out of these blocks, A is currently designated for foreign students, with around 100 such students residing there.

It is noteworthy that hostel accommodation fees for local students are Rs. 2 per day, while foreign students receive a house allowance of Rs. 5500 per month. In Blocks B, C, and D, rooms are provided to students, furnished with beds, fans, lights, and bathrooms. However, in Block A, where foreign students reside, they are also provided with a separate kitchen along with beds, fans, lights, and bathrooms, and are allowed to install air conditioners. The hostel wardens and assistant wardens manage Blocks B, C, and D, while the International Student Advisory operates in Block A.

Most of the expenses incurred by students coming from abroad are covered by the government through scholarships. The Ministry of External Affairs provides stipends of Rs. 18,000 per month for Bachelor’s studies, Rs. 20,000 for Master’s studies, and Rs. 22,000 for PhD studies. Tuition fees are paid directly to the university or college, along with an annual book allowance. The house allowance of Rs. 5500 per month is in addition to the stipend.

Currently, the hostel of Gujarat University accommodates students from various African countries, as well as students from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Syria, and Nigeria. DeshGujarat