Students at Osmania University’s New Godavari hostel have alleged serious lapses in food safety after claiming to have discovered a razor blade in their dinner curry on Tuesday night.
The incident led to a protest, with students blocking the university’s main road and demanding that Vice Chancellor Prof M Kumar address their concerns regarding food quality.
Recurring Issues with Food and Water
According to students, this is not an isolated event. They allege that previous incidents involved worms and even glass pieces being found in their meals. The administration has since announced the formation of a committee to investigate these claims. Additionally, students have expressed concerns over the hostel’s irregular water supply, which they believe is causing health problems due to the suspected use of unverified water sources.
The Protest and Student Complaints
The protest was sparked by the alleged discovery of a razor blade in the meal served at the hostel mess. Students held up the food container as they chanted slogans against the university administration, highlighting what they claim is a pattern of negligence regarding food quality.
Chelimela Druhan, an MA Philosophy student and president of the Osmania University ABVP unit, alleged that repeated complaints to the administration had not resulted in any meaningful changes.
Students claim they are charged ₹2,500-₹3,000 per month for hostel food, which they describe as substandard. They also argue that the use of water tankers from unknown sources may be contributing to health issues on campus.
Context of Food Safety Concerns
Students allege that food safety issues at educational institutions in Telangana are not new. In February, students at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) reportedly fell ill after consuming food at the college canteen. While the administration attributed the illnesses to food consumed outside campus, students questioned the overall hygiene standards.
At Osmania University, similar protests have taken place in the past. Students claim that last year’s demonstrations over worms found in meals resulted in temporary improvements but no long-term solutions. They argue that the administration’s response of forming committees does not address systemic problems.
University’s Response and Investigation
The university has announced the formation of a committee to investigate the latest allegations. The committee is expected to review food safety protocols and make recommendations to prevent such incidents from recurring. However, students remain skeptical, alleging that previous investigations have led to little change.
Students demand tangible actions such as improved food quality, regular inspections of mess facilities, and transparency in water sourcing. They insist that the administration engage with them directly to understand their concerns and implement necessary reforms.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The allegations made by Osmania University students raise serious concerns about food safety in educational institutions. The discovery of a razor blade in a meal, if verified, points to a critical lapse in oversight. Institutions must balance cost efficiency with student well-being and take proactive measures to ensure safe and nutritious food.
The Logical Indian emphasizes the need for meaningful dialogue between students and administrations to address such concerns effectively. As this situation unfolds, the key question remains: How can universities ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in the future?
