The mess at the girls’ hostel of the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has been shut for two days. The students have no option but to eat out. Incidentally, the mess at the boys’ hostel of the varsity has been open. It has led the girls to raise their voice against the “differential treatment” meted out to boys.
What Is Happening
The hostel mess facility has been shut for girls since October 15. A notice informing them that it would be closed till October 28, the mess at the boys’ hostel has been serving three-time meals. In fact, no notice of shutdown of the service had been served at the mess in the boys’ hostel, which means barring the three official holidays, the boys would be served food on all days.
The Chaos & The Questions
Around a week ago, the contractor informed girls that from October 15 to 28, the mess would be closed. Hosteling girls eat all three meals here. Many girls have gone home for vacations, but there are still many who stayed back. How can a Diwali break be there for the mess for two weeks? And if so why not at the boys’ mess.
Is that how long the caretakers and staff will celebrate the festival?
If yes, why has no alternate arrangement been made for the girls?
Just because fewer girls are living here, is it not necessary to provide food?”
Another hosteller said that for many students, internal exams were scheduled from October 22. When they informed the contractor about the same, he refused to budge.
What Authorities Say
Meanwhile, SPPU Registrar Dr Arvind Shaligram and hostel Chief Rector T D Nikam said they didn’t know that the girls were not being served food since Sunday. However, they later assured that the varsity will take “corrective measures”.
