A dispute over increased mess charges and food quality has emerged at Central University Jharkhand. On Sunday, students staged a protest outside the university's main gate after the mess fee was increased.

The protesting students said they wanted food to be provided under the earlier fee structure and refused to pay the additional amount. They argued that any increase in the mess charges should be accompanied by improvements in food quality, quantity and hygiene.

After receiving information about the protest, university officials held discussions with the students. The talks were led by Dr Anurag Linda, while the Dean of Student Welfare also intervened to hear the students' concerns.

 Fee Increased After Change in Mess Agency

According to the students, the agency previously responsible for operating the mess had fixed a comparatively lower fee. The dispute reportedly emerged after a new agency took over and the mess charges were increased.

Students have demanded that the earlier fee structure be restored and that they should not be required to pay additional charges. They have also called for better food quality and improved hygiene standards.

The university administration has assured the students that their concerns regarding the fee structure and mess arrangements will be considered. However, students have maintained that concrete action is needed rather than assurances alone.

 Two Students on Hunger Strike

Two students are currently sitting on hunger strike as part of the protest. The students claim that each hostel resident is currently being charged a monthly mess fee of Rs 3,071.

They have also demanded that the existing system be changed and that a token-based system be introduced. According to the students, such a system could make the food and payment process more transparent.

 Students Raise Questions Over Food Quality

Food quality and hygiene have emerged as major issues in the protest. Students allege that despite the increase in charges, the quality of food being served in the mess remains unsatisfactory.

They have also raised concerns over cleanliness and the overall management of the mess. The students argue that the services provided should match the amount being collected from them.

In a letter submitted to the university administration, the students have listed seven demands. These reportedly include arranging professional cooks on a rotational basis, modifying menus according to individual hostels, ensuring the use of quality ingredients and ending the practice of collecting mess charges in advance.

Students Allege Threats of Action

During the protest, students also alleged that some of them were being threatened with removal from their hostels. They said students participating in a peaceful protest should not face individual action for raising concerns about the mess system.

The students have maintained that their protest is peaceful and that the issues should be resolved through dialogue between the administration and the student community.

 Protest to Continue Until Demands Are Addressed

Students have warned that the movement will continue until concrete steps are taken to address their concerns over mess charges, food quality, hygiene and transparency.

They have said they are prepared to continue an indefinite strike if their demands are not addressed positively. The university administration, meanwhile, has held discussions with the students and assured them that their concerns will be considered.

The next focus will be on whether the university administration takes concrete steps on the seven-point list of demands and whether an agreement can be reached with the protesting students.