Jadavpur University will initiate a drive against drinking on the campus following a recent incident of drinking at a hostel that led to the suspension of a research scholar.

Vice-chancellor Suranjan Das said he would speak to research scholars, teachers and officials of the university to tackle the problem, which he said was on the rise.

“An incident has happened at the hostel. We are trying to address the problems of liquor consumption. I am sure with the help of various stakeholders we will be able to address the problem. The problem of liquor consumption is not restricted to JU. Many premier campuses across the country are suffering because of this,” Das told Metro.

On the night of June 16, a fight had broken out among research scholars at their hostel over drinking, an official said. A group of scholars later held a demonstration in front of the office of the dean of students.

Registrar Snehamanju Basu had to rush to the hostel to address the issue.

Scholars met Das at his office on Friday and urged him to take steps to contain the problem, which they said had assumed an alarming proportion.

A JU official said they were planning to conduct surprise checks on the hostel to catch students drinking.

“It has been reported that outsiders join our students in drinking sessions at the hostels. Many lose control of themselves after a few drinks and create nuisance. We are considering setting up a team to carry out surprise checks,” the official said.

A teacher, however, expressed doubt about the efficacy of the drive. Several such steps taken earlier, he pointed out, had failed.

The university had on March 27 issued a circular calling for making the campus free of alcohol, drug and tobacco. The move followed a meeting the vice-chancellor held with teachers to discuss allegations of alcohol and drug abuse on the campus.

The circular, based on an advisory issued by the University Grants Mission, stated: “It is being brought to the notice of all the university stakeholders about the UGC’s circular... regarding the need to address the issue of addiction among the youth for tobacco, alcohol and drugs....”

The circular followed complaints of drinking at the open-air theatre on the campus during a fest in March.

“Despite the circular, last week’s incident at the hostel could not be prevented. So, I am not sure whether the current drive would bear any fruit,” the teacher said.

Told about the doubt, Basu said: “We try to address the problem from time to time. A series of steps are being taken.”