Pune University Hikes Canteen Meal Prices By ₹10, Students Oppose Move

Pune University has recently raised the prices of meals served in its campus canteens by ₹10 per meal, effective October 1, 2026. The university attributes this increase to the rising costs of essential food items, such as food grains, pulses, cooking oil, dairy products, commercial LPG, and labor. Notably, the meal prices had remained constant for the past four years, from 2022 to 2026, despite the ongoing inflation.

The university administration defended the decision, citing the challenging post-Covid situation, drought conditions, and the need to maintain food quality while safeguarding students' health. According to the university, the change in minimum rates was a result of extensive deliberations by the Management Council. However, the move has sparked opposition from student representatives.

Rahul Sasane, a student activist, criticized the decision, demanding its immediate reversal. He argued that the price hike imposes an additional financial strain on students despite no improvement in the quality of food served at the canteens. Virendra Baba Rao, head of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), echoed similar sentiments, alleging that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had recently taken action against a university canteen, temporarily suspending its operations.

Rao further claimed that no meetings had been held with members of the university's food committee during the past four months.

In response to the student opposition, the university's administration has not yet clarified its stance on the issue.