There, they staged a sit-in over “repeated incidents” of insects and other foreign objects contaminating the food served at the hostel mess over the past several months. New Delhi: Scores of women students of Jamia Millia Islamia’s Jammu and Kashmir Girls Hostel broke through the hostel gates and defied a 10pm curfew Wednesday night to march to the university’s Centenary Gate.
The students demanded immediate termination of the mess contractor, alleging that the mess was being run since 2022 without rotation despite repeated complaints. The student, whose mother had complained to the administration on Sept 9 after an insect was again found in chhole following which the student complained of stomach ache, told TOI , “My mother was scolded for calling her (provost) directly and complaining about the food. Therefore, the intention of the agitators is questionable and it appears to be motivated protest.
They sought an assurance that disciplinary action won’t be taken against protesters and demanded that only women staff be deployed in the hostel.
Jamia, which is among the top universities in Centre’s NIRF rankings, termed the protest “motivated” and questioned its timing. Saima Saeed, chief public relations officer, told TOI , “An insect was found in food a few days back. The students, however, said the latest incident was part of a continuing problem. In their written complaint submitted on Sept 10, they said they were “consistently being served rotten food” and had, on several occasions, found insects and pieces of broken glass in their meals. They also alleged that the kitchen was “highly unhygienic”. The provost said I can leave if I have so much problem,” the student alleged, adding that the provost had assured the residents that the matter would be taken up, but worms were later found in another food item, triggering Thursday’s protest.
The protest, which continued till around 3am, came after students alleged that repeated complaints about the food had failed to bring any corrective action. If there was a problem, the students shouldn’t have consumed the food. And why didn’t they protest the day when the incident happened? Videos and photos circulated on social media from different days show insects in food served to hostel residents. They also sought removal of the hostel provost, alleging that she had reprimanded and humiliated a student and her mother after they complained about the food. I was humiliated and targeted for complaining. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi