A surprise inspection by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at the Gujarat Vidyapith hostel mess has raised concerns over the quality of food served to around 1,000 students.
ABVP members alleged that some onions and tomatoes were rotten, while certain packaged food items had expired. They also claimed that some products did not carry expiry dates. The student organisation demanded that the university identify those responsible and ensure that only fresh and safe ingredients are used to prepare meals.Gujarat Vidyapith Vice-Chancellor Harshad Patel said the mess was not operated by a contractor.
He said a committee comprising hostel wardens, students and university representatives oversees the purchase of vegetables and groceries.“Hostel wardens and students are part of the committee that manages vegetable and grocery supplies. Food is prepared by professional cooks,” Patel said.Warden says inspected material was wasteBoys’ hostel warden Bharat Patel said vegetables are purchased twice a week from Kalupur market, while groceries are procured twice a month.
He said the stock is systematically stored and checked before being handed over to the cooks.According to him, the material found during the night inspection had already been separated as waste and was to be handed over to an AMC vehicle for disposal.
University objects to entry into women’s messUniversity authorities also alleged that ABVP activists entered the women students’ mess around 8 pm without prior permission. Some students reportedly panicked and called the police on 112, following which a police team reached the spot.
The authorities said ABVP activists, like anyone else, are required to obtain prior permission before entering the women’s mess at night. They said such entry could not be permitted and that the situation was brought under control before police took further action.