Insects and scorpion found at Lucknow University hostel food, students protest

Students at Lucknow University's Kailash Girls' Hostel protested after alleging repeated food contamination in the mess. The agitation pushed the administration to cancel the operator's tender and announce fee refunds.

In Short

• Insects, hair, rat droppings and scorpion found in food over 10 days
• Five female students fell ill after eating contaminated food
• University cancelled mess tender and refunds students' fees

A major protest broke out at Lucknow University after students alleged that insects and other contaminants were repeatedly being found in food served at the Kailash Girls' Hostel mess.

The latest incident occurred on Wednesday night when students found large insects in their food plates. Angered by the incident, the hostel residents surrounded the university's administrative building at around 8 pm and staged a protest outside the offices of the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar. A large number of male students also joined the protest in support of the hostel residents.

The protesting students said that the mess had continued to serve substandard food despite repeated concerns. They claimed that five female students fell ill on Tuesday night after eating food served at the mess. The students were admitted to Vivekanand Polyclinic late that night after their health suddenly deteriorated.

According to the students, incidents involving contaminated food have continued for the past 10 days. They alleged that they have found insects, hair, rat droppings and even a scorpion in the food during this period.

The students also questioned why conditions had not improved despite an inspection by Lucknow University Vice-Chancellor Professor JP Saini just eight days ago. The Vice-Chancellor had conducted a surprise inspection of the Kailash Hostel mess.

Ishani Singh, one of the students participating in the protest, said they pay an annual mess fee of Rs 40,000 but are still being served rotten and poor-quality food.

Another student, Rivibha Kumari, said that the mess lacked proper cleanliness and frequently served raw or undercooked food.

Amid the growing protest and uproar, the university administration took action. Lucknow University's Dean of Students' Welfare, Professor Amita Kannaujia, described the matter as extremely serious and disappointing.

She ordered the immediate cancellation of the mess operator's tender. The university also decided to refund the students' mess fees.

The mess will remain closed until a new tender is issued. During this period, students will have to make arrangements for food from outside.

- Ends
With inputs from Ankit Mishra