Students belonging to the Students Federation of India (SFI) at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) staged a protest from the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial to the main building on Monday, demanding immediate action on several key issues related to hostel, library and canteen facilities facing the students.
During the protest, they expressed that every student who applies for a hostel facility should be allocated one. They also raised concerns about restricted access for female students to the Jayakar Library, stating that they are currently not allowed to study there after 10:30pm. The students demanded that the library remain open for women until midnight to give them sufficient study time.
Ganesh Jankar, a member of the SFI, highlighted, "In recent days, students are facing severe problems related to hostel and canteen food. The students want it to be resolved on a priority."
"The poor quality of food served in university messes is one of the major issues. The food lacks adequate nutrition, and prices have been hiked. Moreover, worms, stones and insects have frequently been found in the meals. The university administration is not taking strict action against such issues. We will continue the protest until the university administration doesn't addresses the issue," he added.
Another student, Vishal Avchare, emphasised, "Bed bugs are also a major problem faced by the students. Authorities need to address the issue. If the students fall ill, who will be responsible?"
Major demands:
- Students studying at the university and requiring hostel accommodation should be allotted a bed if they want one.
- The timetable for girls' hostels for using the Jayakar Library should be extended till midnight.
- Improve the quality of food in the mess
- The gardens of the university should be kept open till 9pm
- Open space near the E-factory should be allowed for programmes and should be declared as Comrade Annabhau Sathe Open Cultural Theatre.
Meanwhile, Suresh Gosavi, Vice Chancellor of the Savitribai Phule Pune University, chose not to comment on this.
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