Fungus in rice: UoP VC pays ‘regular’ visit to refectory in Pune

After receiving several complaints from male students alleging fungus-laden rice was served to them in the refectory of the University of Pune (UoP), acting vice chancellor Sanjay Chahande paid a visit to the refectory on Monday evening.

The incident happened on Sunday evening when boys went to the place to have dinner and were served rice which had been spoilt with fungus.

After boys raised a ruckus, the plates were taken away and fresh rice was prepared and served.

“Until now, we were served tasteless vegetables and watery dal, but this time they sunk to new depths of depravity by serving us fungus-laden rice. The cramped storing food and dining area are dirty and it is humiliating to eat here,” said a student.

According to the students, Chahande met the refectory staff and them.

“He has promised a two-member committee of students to look into the matter, though their names will be announced later. He talked about expanding the area and asked students to cooperate and pay Rs5 more, if possible, so that the quality of food can be improved,” a student said.

Currently, a student pays Rs20 per plate. However, Chahande brushed off his visit as routine.

“I regularly visit all departments and buildings and there was nothing special. However, I listened to student’s problems and have observed that the refectory’s capacity needs to be increased. We will look into their complaints,” he said.