Students Protest Against Increased Mess Fees and Poor Food Quality at Central University of Jharkhand

Ranchi, August 23: Students at the Central University of Jharkhand in Manatu have launched a protest against the increase in mess fees and the declining quality of food. Some students have initiated an indefinite hunger strike, while many others are sitting in protest at the university’s main entrance.

The protest began on Sunday afternoon and continued late into the night. Demonstrating students claim that the university administration made the decision to raise mess fees without prior notice or consultation with student representatives. According to the students, despite the fee hike, the quality of food has not improved and has instead worsened, leading to growing dissatisfaction among the student body and escalating into a full-blown protest. They are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the increased mess fees.

Additionally, students are calling for assurance of food quality, inclusion in the weekly menu planning, and action against the alleged negligence of the food vendor. They allege that previous complaints regarding mess-related issues were brought to the university administration’s attention but were not adequately addressed.

Students argue that any change in mess fees directly imposes an economic burden on them. Therefore, discussions with student representatives are essential before making such decisions. On Sunday, students gathered at the main gate to initiate their protest, and the number of participants quickly grew. They chanted slogans demanding the withdrawal of the fee increase and improvements in the mess system.

During the protest, some students announced their decision to sit on an indefinite hunger strike. Following news of the movement, university officials and security personnel arrived at the scene.

Officials attempted to engage in dialogue with the students and urged them to end their protest. The administration sought to resolve the issue through discussions, but students remained firm in their demand for a written assurance regarding their requests.

Students on hunger strike stated that mere assurances would not end the protest. They emphasized that they would only consider ending their movement after receiving clear and written decisions regarding the withdrawal of the increased fees, improvement in food quality, and ensuring student participation in mess operations.