Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has found that the number of problems with alcohol in the girls' hostel has increased by 47% from September to November 2023. This has made the university take quick action to change some of its rules.

The investigation showed that many girls feel a lot of pressure from their friends to drink alcohol. Also, many of them are feeling stressed about school. A survey found that 63% of girls who drink said their friends pushed them to do it, and 41% said they drink because of worries about their studies.

The number of students caught with alcohol has also gone up, from 12 cases in September to 28 by the end of November. Some girls were sneaking drinks into the hostel, having parties without permission, and acting drunk during classes.

To help, SPPU will start new rules on December 1, 2023. They'll put more security cameras at the hostel entrances, check rooms randomly, and set up a 24-hour help line for students who need support with alcohol problems.

The university is spending Rs. 15 lakhs on programs to help students. These will include weekly workshops to talk about alcohol and mental health. They believe these actions could lower alcohol-related problems by 35% in the first three months of 2024.

Teachers have noticed that students who drink are missing more classes and getting lower test scores. There's also been a big increase in students asking for help with substance use.

The local police are working with the university to catch people selling alcohol nearby. The university hopes everyone will follow the new rules by January 2024.