Recently mired in a 'gender discrimination' controversy, the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has asked for Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) cover for its campus.

The CISF, which is considering the request, said BHU cited "security reasons."

CISF Director General (DG) OP Singh said that "though the proposal was sent to the force, they were reluctant to take over." The final decision, however, lies with the government, he added.

Sources said BHU Vice-Chancellor Girish Chandra Tripathi recently wrote to the Ministry of Human Resources and Development (HRD) asking for CISF cover, especially for the Sir Sundar Lal Hospital and Trauma Centre located in its campus. The request was handed over to CISF for its consideration.

WHY BHU ASKED FOR CISF'S HELP

BHU has sought the help of the CISF because "ordinary security was not able to handle the daily footfall at the 100-year-old university", according to sources.

Presently, around 900 security guards, supervisors and security officers of Uttar Pradesh Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam Limited (UPPSKNL) and private security agencies look after the security of the 1,400 acre varsity campus.

BHU, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country, has been the subject of controversy, with allegations being made of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) influence on the varsity.

The case has been highlighted as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an MP from Varanasi, which goes to the polls in the seventh and last phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls tomorrow.

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