Translating its commitment to women’s safety on campus into tangible action, Banaras Hindu University has launched a new initiative that could have a lasting impact in addressing the issue. The university has integrated a new safety feature into its app ‘Namaste BHU’ that will facilitate prompt response and assistance to those facing a security situation. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi launched the safety feature at Mahila Mahavidyalaya on Wednesday, along with senior functionaries of the university. In the first phase, the feature is available for the female students of the university and will be functional within the geographical boundaries of the BHU campus. 

In case of an emergency, pressing the safety button will instantly trigger an alert in the Proctorial Board’s control room. Along with the alert, the system will automatically transmit the user’s personal details and location facilitating a prompt response. Prof. Chaturvedi said that a lot needs to be done in terms of security and this feature is one of the steps in that direction. He hoped that the new measure will instill a sense of confidence among the BHU community. Prof. Chaturvedi informed that the feature will work on cellular network and the location shared with the control room will be accurate enough for patrolling teams to respond. He asked students to not hesitate in utilizing the facility as and when they feel a threat like situation. 

The safety feature will gradually be updated on the basis of user experience and feedback. The Vice-Chancellor said, “We have different versions of every software as they undergo modifications as per the feedback and experience. This security alert will also have updates in future”. Depending on the experience with this new initiative, BHU will be willing to share it with universities across the country. 

Developed by the team of experts behind the Namaste BHU app, the new safety feature has been introduced in close coordination with the Chief Proctor’s Office. Designed for ease of use, the feature requires users to have the Namaste BHU app installed on their mobile phones. Demonstrating the new feature Dr. T V Prabhakar, who steered the development of Namaste BHU app, informed that the feature offers two optional features for the user, making a call to the control room and generating a loud sound locally. 

Chief Proctor Prof. S. P. Singh said the measure is an important stride made by the university towards women security. He said that today’s launch is just the first version and with more tests and trials, newer versions of the feature will be available soon. He said that a team of nine members led by Prof. Nirmala Horo, Deputy Chief Proctor has been formed to oversee and monitor the overall functioning of the security alert. 

Prof. Nirmala Horo, Deputy Chief Proctor, said that choosing Mahila Mahavidyalaya for the launch of this new feature reiterates the university’s commitment towards the safety of girl students. 

Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Rita Singh, Principal, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, expressed gratitude on behalf of MMV community. She hailed the vision of the Vice-Chancellor for the growth and development of the university and its members. Prof. Richa conveyed the vote of thanks. Prof. Padmini Rabindranath conducted the program. Members of the MMV community, Proctorial Board, along with large number of students, as well as Namaste BHU team members Dev Angiras, Anshuman Sharma, Vikas Singh, Shalini Yadav, and Sanskar Sharma were also present during the launch.