Ahmedabad : Student Unions Oppose Food Bill Increase at L D Engineering College

Ahmedabad : The recent surge in food charges at L D Engineering College has sparked strong resistance from student unions in Ahmedabad.

Following Diwali, the mess contractor has hiked the price per dish from Rs 55 to Rs 70, marking a substantial Rs 15 increase. This elevation translates to an approximate additional burden of Rs 900 on each student’s monthly food expenses.

Narendrasinh Solanki, the state unit president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI), spearheaded a student delegation urging the college administration to reconsider this decision.

Issuing a two-day ultimatum, Solanki warned of an impending agitation should the food bill escalation remain unchanged. He highlighted the foundational purpose of the institution as providing affordable higher education to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Solanki emphasized the financial strain this increase places on students, especially those from middle or lower-income families.

Drawing attention to the ‘Samras Hostel’ food contract implemented by the government, Solanki emphasized its provision of free lunch, dinner, and breakfast at a cost of Rs 2700 per student per month. Comparatively, this equates to a minimal charge of Rs 40 for each meal and Rs 20 for breakfast.

While acknowledging the private arrangement for L D Engineering Hostel’s mess, Solanki suggested that if the contracted private party cannot maintain rates akin to government-sponsored facilities, the college administration should explore government intervention to run the mess, prioritizing the welfare of the students.

Solanki referenced historical precedence, recalling the student-led upheaval in 1974 when the government faced backlash over similar food bill escalations in engineering colleges like L D Engineering in Ahmedabad and Morbi. This reminder emphasized the gravity of the situation and the potential ramifications of overlooking student concerns.