Lucknow University Hostel Food Scandal Triggers Widespread Student Protests and Official Investigations
Protests intensified at the Ganga Girls' Hostel located within Lucknow University's second campus on Thursday, following reports that two additional students had fallen ill after allegedly consuming contaminated mess food. This incident has amplified long-standing grievances among residents regarding neglected complaints about unsanitary conditions in the hostel facilities.
Student Accounts Highlight Systemic Neglect and Intimidation
Hostel resident Kashish provided a firsthand account of the distressing situation, stating, "We became sick directly because of the unhygienic food served here. Despite repeatedly raising our concerns, no corrective measures were implemented. To make matters worse, the provost threatened us, and our formal complaints against her were completely ignored." This testimony underscores a pattern of administrative inaction that has fueled student frustration and mobilization.
Regulatory and University Authorities Spring Into Action
In response to the escalating protests and viral social media videos depicting the poor conditions, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) conducted an immediate inspection of the hostel mess. FSDA officer Vijay Pratap Singh confirmed that food samples were collected for laboratory analysis, with appropriate legal action to follow if any irregularities or violations are confirmed.
Simultaneously, Lucknow University Vice-Chancellor Prof. JP Saini undertook a surprise inspection tour of the hostel, examining student rooms, common areas, and the mess kitchen. During this visit, he issued several critical directives:
- Immediate assignment of female staff members to serve food in the mess
- Urgent repairs of structural issues by the university's construction department
- Formation of a five-member investigative committee to probe the mess operations
- Issuance of show-cause notices to the catering contractors responsible for food services
Broader Administrative Reforms Announced
Following his inspection, Prof. Saini extended his oversight to other campus facilities, meeting with students at the law faculty and the Homi Jehangir Bhabha Boys' Hostel. He mandated that the additional chief provost conduct daily meetings within all hostels to ensure continuous dialogue and prompt resolution of student concerns. This comprehensive response aims to address both immediate health hazards and underlying administrative failures.
The university administration now faces mounting pressure to implement lasting reforms, as the combination of student protests, regulatory scrutiny, and media attention has brought the hostel's food safety and hygiene issues into sharp public focus.
