Birbhum, 17 December (H.S.): Tensions ran high on Tuesday night at Visva-Bharati, West Bengal's only central university, following allegations of substandard food being served in the university canteen. The protest by resident female students continued until midnight in Santiniketan.

On Tuesday night, students gathered in front of the Visva-Bharati canteen. They banged plates and chanted slogans. The students protested for approximately three hours, banging plates and singing songs.

The students have several grievances, but the main complaint concerns the quality of the food in the canteen. Students have to pay 90 rupees for two meals a day, yet they are still served poor-quality food.

The students said they have to purchase coupons for the entire month's meals in advance. However, even after paying for a full month, the canteen authorities informed them that they would only receive meals until the 22nd of December. When asked for an explanation, the authorities did not provide any.

The students alleged that despite informing various people, from the hostel warden to the university administration, about the issue, no solution has been found. Instead, they were threatened with disciplinary action for protesting.

Finally, a representative from the administration spoke to the students, but according to the students, this did not lead to any resolution.

One of the protesting students said, The quality of food in the canteen is extremely poor. Besides, we were asked to buy coupons in advance for the Poush Mela (a local fair) on the first of the month. Now they are saying that we won't get food for the entire month! On the other hand, the administration is reportedly telling the canteen, 'They will protest for half an hour and then leave.'

Another student said, Such bad food, and it costs 90 rupees. Looking at the place where the food is prepared, no one would want to eat there. Even after so many complaints, the administration has not given any assurance of a solution. Instead, we are threatened with action against us for protesting.

No response has been received from any official of the university administration regarding this matter till the time of filing of the news.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey