SPPU Suspends Canteen Price Hike Following Student Protests
Savitribai Phule Pune University student organisations have welcomed the suspension of a proposed canteen price hike following student protests. Abhishek Shelkar and SFI representative Pawan Jadhav credited collective student efforts for the development. Students say they will continue demanding affordable meals, improved food quality and adequate portion sizes.
Pune: Students at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) have welcomed the suspension of a proposed canteen price hike following protests by student organisations. Representatives described the development as the result of collective efforts and said their campaign for affordable, quality food would continue.
The proposed increase had raised concerns among students already dealing with rising living expenses. Student representatives said suspending the hike would help prevent an additional financial burden, particularly for those who depend on university canteen facilities for their daily meals.
Student Organisations Welcome Decision
Abhishek Shelkar, president of the University Students’ Struggle Action Committee’s SPPU unit and a member of the university’s Canteen Quality Control Committee, welcomed the suspension of the price hike.
Shelkar credited students’ collective efforts for the development and emphasised that affordable, quality food should be accessible to every student. He also indicated that the campaign would continue, with particular attention to improving the quality of meals and ensuring adequate portion sizes.
Pawan Jadhav, treasurer of the Students’ Federation of India’s university unit, also welcomed the move. He described it as an outcome of student unity and democratic protest.
Focus Shifts to Food Quality and Portion Sizes
While the suspension addresses the immediate concern over higher canteen prices, student representatives have made it clear that their demands extend beyond affordability.
They intend to continue raising issues related to meal quality and the quantity of food served at university canteens.
According to the students, the suspension will provide financial relief at a time when their everyday expenses are increasing. The student organisations have also highlighted the importance of collective participation in addressing issues affecting campus life.
The development marks progress in the students’ campaign over canteen charges, while their demands for improvements in food quality and portion sizes remain ongoing.