The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) unit at the Central University of Gujarat (CUG) recently stirred controversy by requesting the university to include non-vegetarian food in the hostel mess menu. However, the state unit of ABVP has since clarified that this demand was not officially approved and termed it a mistake.
The ABVP’s local unit, led by president Munna Kumar from Bihar, had submitted a letter to the university’s registrar, H. B. Patel. In this letter, they highlighted discrepancies in the new mess menu and advocated for non-vegetarian options to be available at least twice a week. They argued that since the majority of CUG’s students are from outside Gujarat, it is important to accommodate various food preferences.
The representation stated, “We demand from the administration to address these issues as soon as possible so that students do not face injustice in the future.” It also pointed out the absence of eggs and fruits from the breakfast menu, which they consider essential.
In response, Registrar Patel informed that he received the demand letter but clarified that non-vegetarian food had not been included in the latest tender for the mess menu. He mentioned that a decision on the matter would require consultation with the Provost’s office and the Dean of Student Welfare.
Currently, around 550 students reside in CUG’s hostels. The university is in the process of relocating from its earlier campus in Gandhinagar to its new site in Vadodara’s Dabhoi district.
Historically, CUG allowed students to consume non-vegetarian food, arranged by those staying outside the Gandhinagar campus, as there were no hostel facilities at the temporary location. ABVP’s Kumar explained that the recent demand was intended to cater to the diverse food preferences of students from various states, particularly those from the Northeast and Kerala.
However, the state unit of ABVP has stated that they had no official mandate for this demand. State secretary Samarth Bhatt said, “CUG has a diverse campus. The workers there submitted the memorandum with the intention of continuing earlier provisions where students could arrange food according to their preferences.”
After a meeting last week among ABVP workers at CUG, the demand was reportedly submitted without proper communication or consultation with the state unit.
Students living on campus have expressed frustration over the limited food options available, especially given the location’s distance from the city. They believe that the university should consider their needs more seriously.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the CUG administration will address the demands of its diverse student body regarding food choices in the hostel mess. The balance between catering to various dietary preferences and maintaining university policies will be a challenge for the administration.
The ABVP’s clarification serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in student representation and the importance of clear communication within student organisations. With ongoing discussions about food preferences, students hope that their voices will be heard and considered in future decisions regarding the mess menu.