Pune: On Monday, around 60 students protested outside the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) refectory over a notice which bars non-members of the refectory from eating there.
In an official statement, SPPU said the refectory has a capacity for around 750 students per month, whereas, over 850 students are availing the food facility there.
The university restricted non-members from services at the refectory, the university through a notice stating that the large number of students availing food at the refectory caused inconvenience in management. The notice read that students have overwhelmingly responded to the service which led to inflow of more than expected number of students.
The new set of rules come into effect from April 1.
The students claimed several of them come from rural areas cannot afford to pay the refectory fees regularly. Because of this, many share their plates to meet expenses. “The university is being unfair towards students by not allowing them to share their plates,” a student organisation’s representative said.
Over the past few days, students have been complaining about the low quality food at the refectory. In between, they had encountered worms in the food, about which they protested.
As the protest aggravated, police from the Chatuhshrungi Police Station were called in to control the situation. During this protest, some students dismantled the tables and broke the window panes. University authorities said a complaint has been registered at the police station.
“We have brought in new rules to ensure quality food service for students. For those who are not able to avail the refectory facilities, SPPU has arranged for canteen facilities near hostel number eight and nine, also in the three canteens functional on the campus. Students can complain about their grievances to the refectory committee,” said Rajesh Raherkar, Assistant Registrar of SPPU’s Hostel Management Department.
