Andhra University hostelers at the Registrar’s office in Visakhapatnam Campus came together to protest seeking better food and safety. The vice chancellor addressed these students understanding their requirements and assuring them the solution.
The protest that began on July 22nd at night, erupted in the campus title Wednesday afternoon due to the alleged substandard food served in the hostel, reportedly after students alleged that a lizard was found in a recently served meal. Some reports also mentioned insects or worms being found in the food served in AU hostel. This recent lizard incident became the triggering point of this protest.
This hostelers protest marks the third protest in a year by the university students that concerns lack of facility, safety and welfare. With slogans against the management echoing in the campus, the student leaders and activists brought under the spotlight deteriorated quality of food, education, as well as safety. They also highlighted the fact that the university is charging high fees from the students but failing to provide the basic necessities.
However, while some student leaders highlighted policies and funding issues of Andhra University, the focus of the protests remained on food quality, campus management and living conditions.
As per The Hindu report, All India Students Federation Secretary of AU, Jetti Abhishek said that despite the fact that the protest started at night on Tuesday, management did not respond immediately and sent a police team to stop the protest. Abhishek also said “We also urged the university management to fill the vacant teaching posts, reduce mess charges, improve the quality of food served and provide basic infrastructure in the hostels.”
“We don’t feel safe in our own hostels, and the food sometimes feels unfit to eat,” a hostel resident of AU said, adding that previous complaints had seen limited action.
Students are also demanding that the university refrain from hiring guest faculty who are not suitable for the teaching posts at university level. AU has not responded to that yet. In addition, the students also highlighted the power cut issues they face, and the lack of proper lights in many secluded spots in the university. They also put forward some unethical practices of unauthorised people who enter the campus and engage in anti-social activities such as drinking alcohol in the campus.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. GP Raja Sekhar stated that “We recognize the students’ distress and are taking immediate measures to address their concerns. Within the next month, we will work to resolve the quality and safety issues in hostel facilities.” He also said that a special task force of students will be made who will monitor the food served in the hostel.
As the students await the stated action, they are continuing to insist on regular communication and swift actions by the authority. The university has scheduled a followup meeting with the student leaders to review the progress of the stated solution.
