Upset over the poor quality of food provided in the hostel mess, around 300 students of Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, staged a protest on the campus, on Friday.
The students alleged that despite paying a higher mess fee compared to the other IITs, the students here were provided unhygienic and non-nutritious food. Around 6 pm, the students gathered in front of the hostel and staged a demo for nearly two and a half hours.
“We have been facing the problem for a few years. But things became worse in the last one month. There were times we have been given bread with fungus on it. Some of the students even noticed worms in the rice served for lunch,” said one of the students.
The students said they were shocked by the rude behaviour of the college authorities when they took photos the poor quality food and submitted it to them. “A senior official said the only option we had was to discontinue our education if we were not comfortable with the food. We feel the officials are siding with the caterers. The same persons are given the contracts despite several complaints against them,” said another student.
“When compared to other IITs, the IIT-M students we are getting the lowest value for money. Citing inflation, the caterers have even cut out fruit from the menu. But most other IITs, which charge less, are serving much better variety and quality food,” a student said.
Later in the night, college officials held talks with the students. When contacted for a reaction on the issue, a senior official said an official statement would be issued by Saturday.