DUSU Elections 2026: NSUI Promises Menstrual Leave, Affordable Housing, Metro Concessions and 24x7 Libraries

The National Students’ Union of India has released its manifesto for the Delhi University Students’ Union Elections 2026-27, promising two days of menstrual leave per month for women students, affordable and verified student housing, concessional Delhi Metro passes, a five-day academic week, round-the-clock libraries and subsidised canteens. Titled “Accountable DU | Accountable DUSU,” the manifesto places student living costs, safety, academic reform, mental health and employment at the centre of the campaign ahead of voting on September 18.

The manifesto was released at NSUI headquarters in the presence of national president Vinod Jakhar and the organisation’s four DUSU candidates.

Counting is scheduled for September 19.

Housing has become an especially prominent issue in this year’s election following the fatal Satya Niketan building collapse, which intensified debate around Delhi University’s shortage of affordable hostels and the safety of private PG accommodation used by thousands of students.

NSUI DUSU Manifesto 2026: Major Promises

Issue	NSUI Proposal
Menstrual Leave	Two days per month
Housing	Verified affordable PG/rental portal and stronger rent-control implementation
Transport	Affordable Metro concession passes
Academic Week	Monday-Friday five-day schedule
Libraries	24x7 reading-library access
Canteens	Subsidised round-the-clock canteens
Mental Health	Expanded counselling services
Exams	Free evaluation/rechecking measures
Employment	Internships, guidance and career support

Manifesto Is Called “Accountable DU | Accountable DUSU”

NSUI says the platform focuses on:

• Student welfare
• Affordability
• Academic infrastructure
• Safety
• Social justice
• Employment
• Institutional accountability

Menstrual Leave Is One of the Most Discussed Promises

NSUI proposes two days of menstrual leave each month for women students.

The proposal adds Delhi University to a wider national debate about whether educational institutions should formally recognise menstrual-health needs.

What Would Menstrual Leave Mean for Students?

If implemented under an approved university policy, eligible students could receive attendance protection for specified menstrual-health absences.

The exact rules would need to address:

• Attendance requirements
• Assessment days
• Verification
• Privacy

DUSU Cannot Implement Every Policy Alone

This is important when evaluating election promises.

DUSU is a student representative body.

Major academic policies can require approval from:

• Delhi University administration
• Academic bodies
• Individual colleges
• Other authorities

A Manifesto Promise Is Not an Implemented Policy

Students should distinguish between:

• Campaign promise
• University proposal
• Approved rule

Affordable Housing Is Another Central Promise

NSUI has proposed stronger implementation of rent-control provisions and a verified Delhi University platform listing affordable:

• PG accommodation
• Rental housing

Why Housing Has Become a Major DUSU Issue

Delhi University attracts students from across India.

Its hostels cannot accommodate every outstation student.

Large numbers depend on private housing in areas including:

• North Campus
• South Campus
• Satya Niketan
• Vijay Nagar
• Kamla Nagar

Private PG Costs Can Be Significant

Students may face:

• High rent
• Security deposits
• Brokerage
• Food costs
• Unregulated conditions

Verified PG Portal Could Reduce Information Asymmetry

A university-backed portal could theoretically list information involving:

• Location
• Rent
• Safety compliance
• Facilities

However, DU would need a mechanism to verify listings rather than merely publishing advertisements.

Satya Niketan Tragedy Has Changed the Campaign

Housing and building safety became much more urgent after the recent collapse in Satya Niketan that killed seven people, including five students.

The tragedy has raised questions involving:

• Building safety
• Fire compliance
• Overcrowding
• Student housing shortage

Housing Is Not Only an NSUI Issue

Multiple student organisations have made accommodation a major part of their manifestos.

ABVP, AISA-SFI and other groups have also proposed housing or hostel measures.

Metro Concession Passes Proposed

NSUI wants affordable Delhi Metro passes for students.

This could potentially reduce commuting expenses for those living far from campus.

But DUSU Does Not Control Delhi Metro Fares

Any concession would require engagement with the appropriate transport and government authorities.

A student-union manifesto can campaign for such a policy but cannot unilaterally set Metro prices.

Transport Costs Matter for Commuter Students

A student making two Metro trips every day can spend a substantial amount over a semester.

This is particularly relevant for students who cannot afford accommodation close to campus.

Five-Day Academic Week Proposed

NSUI proposes Monday-to-Friday classes.

The organisation argues that a five-day week would create more time for:

• Internships
• Extracurricular activities
• Self-study

Would a Five-Day Week Reduce Teaching Time?

Not necessarily.

A university could theoretically redistribute contact hours across five days.

Implementation would need academic approval and timetable planning.

24x7 Libraries Are Another Promise

NSUI proposes round-the-clock reading-library facilities.

This could especially help students who:

• Live in crowded PGs
• Share rooms
• Prepare for competitive exams
• Need late-night study space

24-Hour Libraries Need Safety and Staffing

Implementation requires:

• Security
• Lighting
• Transport planning
• Staff
• Access systems

Subsidised 24x7 Canteens Proposed

The manifesto also discusses round-the-clock subsidised canteens.

Students living away from home can struggle with affordable food, especially during:

• Late classes
• Examinations
• Library sessions

Financial Sustainability Would Matter

A subsidised food service requires:

• Funding
• Vendors
• Quality standards
• Hygiene monitoring

Mental Health Support Is Included

NSUI has promised expanded mental-health and counselling services.

Student stress can arise from:

• Academic pressure
• Financial problems
• Loneliness
• Career uncertainty
• Harassment

Counselling Needs Qualified Professionals

A university mental-health programme should not rely only on peer volunteers.

Students with serious difficulties need access to trained professionals.

Campus Wi-Fi and Drinking Water Also Feature

Infrastructure promises include:

• Better campus Wi-Fi
• Safe drinking water
• Improved classrooms
• Sports facilities

Wi-Fi Is Now Academic Infrastructure

Students increasingly use online systems for:

• Assignments
• Research
• Course material
• Job applications

Exam Evaluation Reform Proposed

NSUI has proposed measures connected with free:

• Evaluation
• Rechecking

Students frequently complain about the cost and complexity of challenging examination marks.

Transparent Revaluation Can Build Trust

A strong process needs:

• Clear timelines
• Digital tracking
• Reasonable fees or fee waivers
• Accountability

FYUP Reform Is Another Campaign Issue

The manifesto seeks changes to Delhi University’s four-year undergraduate programme introduced under the National Education Policy framework.

NSUI says students need greater clarity and transparency.

FYUP Debate Includes Multiple Issues

Students discuss questions involving:

• Course structure
• Credits
• Multiple exits
• Fourth-year value
• Workload

Internships and Employment Feature in the Manifesto

NSUI has also promised expanded:

• Career guidance
• Internships
• Employment opportunities

Students Increasingly Judge DUSU on Career Issues

Traditional student politics focused heavily on:

• Fees
• Hostels
• Campus politics

Today, employability and internships have become major concerns too.

Scholarships for SC/ST Students

The manifesto includes proposals for expanded financial assistance and scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Gender Sensitisation and Sexual-Harassment Measures

NSUI says it supports a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment.

A credible campus policy requires:

• Complaint mechanisms
• Due process
• Confidentiality
• Support services

Manifestos Should Be Evaluated for Feasibility

Students should ask:

• Does DUSU control this policy?
• How would it be funded?
• Which authority must approve it?
• Can progress be measured?

Some Promises Require External Authorities

For example:

Promise	Likely Authority Needed
Metro concession	Transport/government authorities
Menstrual leave	University academic/administrative bodies
Hostels	DU/colleges/funding authorities
Rent regulation	Government/civic framework

DUSU Still Has Influence Without Direct Power

A student union can:

• Represent students
• Lobby authorities
• Organise campaigns
• Negotiate with administration
• Publicise grievances

Voting Is Scheduled for September 18

DUSU students will vote for four central posts:

• President
• Vice-President
• Secretary
• Joint Secretary

Counting Is Scheduled for September 19

Results are expected the day after polling under the current election schedule.

NSUI Has Fielded Four Candidates

The organisation has announced a full panel for the central DUSU posts.

Its campaign is competing with panels and candidates from organisations including:

• ABVP
• AISA-SFI
• ASAP

Housing May Be the Defining Issue of DUSU 2026

Across ideological lines, student organisations have recognised that students need:

• More hostels
• Safer PGs
• Affordable rent

Students Should Compare Manifestos, Not Just Slogans

A voter can ask each group:

1. What was promised?
2. Can DUSU actually influence it?
3. What is the implementation plan?
4. What was delivered previously?

Final Takeaway

NSUI has entered the DUSU 2026 election with a student-welfare-heavy manifesto promising two days of menstrual leave per month, affordable student housing, Metro concessions, a five-day academic week, 24x7 libraries, subsidised canteens, mental-health services and examination reforms.

The manifesto, titled “Accountable DU | Accountable DUSU,” was released ahead of voting on September 18 and counting on September 19.

Housing and safety have become especially important campaign issues after the Satya Niketan building tragedy highlighted the risks faced by students dependent on private PG accommodation.

Students should nevertheless distinguish campaign commitments from policies that DUSU can implement directly. Major promises involving Metro fares, rent regulation, academic calendars, leave rules and hostel construction require action from Delhi University or other public authorities.

The real test after the election will therefore not simply be which manifesto contains the most promises, but which student leadership can translate those demands into measurable institutional action.