Temporary mess in University of Mumbai's boys hostel fails to satisfy students

Even after the University of Mumbai resumed mess facility for the boys' hostel temporarily, the students are still demanding a permanent mess facility and have said that the makeshift arrangement doesn't seem to work.

Earlier, DNA had reported about how, in June 2017, close to 80 students, including masters and doctoral students, residing in the Karamveer Bhaurao Patil (KBP) Boys Hostel at the varsity's Kalina campus, were shifted to a makeshift hostel — Annabhau Sathe. The students were promised that the accommodation would 'only be temporary' and that the work of renovating their original hostel building would be complete within 6 months.

A year later, nothing has changed and the students continue to live in the makeshift hostel.

After being shifted to the 'temporary' hostel, students at least had access to basic meals. However, few days ago, the makeshift mess shut down as the varsity terminated the contract with the existing service provider. Ever since, the hostelites were struggling to get food and sometimes sleeping with an empty stomach.

After a group of students threatened to protest, the varsity resumed the food service again in a temporary arrangement, irking the students further.

"The food we get is limited and it's not enough for students. The charges are also higher than earlier. The varsity should ensure that a permanent arrangement is made so that students don't suffer," said a PhD scholar.

An University official said that the tendering process to get a new contractor was on and the appointment would be made soon.