Panjab University authorities, students to discuss hike in mess diet rates on July 15

Chandigarh, July 12

The Dean Students’ Welfare (DSW), wardens of various hostels and representatives of various students’ organisations of Panjab University would hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the recent hike in mess diet charges. Students are protesting the hike and demanding its rollback.

Various students’ political organisations of Panjab University had staged a protest outside the office of the Vice-Chancellor against the hike yesterday.

The authorities have reportedly hiked the mess diet rate from Rs 39 to Rs 46.25 and special diet rate from Rs 44 to Rs 51.

Members of the students’ organisations had submitted a memorandum to the VC demanding a roll back of the hike. They also demanded that the price of normal died be fixed at Rs 35 and that of special diet at Rs 40.

“The university authorities are putting a burden on the hostellers. Most hostellers come from a humble background and face hardships in their daily routine. Such decisions are arbitrary and not good for the welfare of students. We will oppose it,” said a student leader.

Defending the hike, the university authorities claimed that the diet charges were last revised in 2021. “The prices have been raised to ensure that the hostel residents get food of best quality considering the fact that the cost of basic raw material has also increased,” said Amit Chauhan, DSW.

The raise

The Panjab University authorities have reportedly hiked the mess diet rate from Rs 39 to Rs 46.25 and special diet rate from Rs 44 to Rs 51.