A restaurant in Pune has introduced a Rs 20 extra charge for customers who waste food, aiming to encourage responsible ordering and reduce wastage. The initiative is intended to foster respect for both food and the staff who prepare it.
The policy quickly went viral on social media, attracting mixed reactions with many netizens applauding the measure as an “excellent move” while others raised concerns about the fairness and practicality of the charge. Officials and social commentators weigh in on the issue as food wastage continues to be a significant problem in India.
Distinctive Move to Curb Food Wastage Gains Attention
The Pune eatery’s policy clearly states that customers who leave food uneaten on their plates will be charged an additional Rs 20. This rule, highlighted on the menu and publicised via social media, has sparked widespread discussion. According to restaurant sources, the charge is a behavioural nudge to prevent excessive ordering and food wastage, promoting mindful consumption.
Many social media users have praised the initiative for its simplicity and impact, calling for similar policies at weddings and functions to help address India’s massive food waste issue. Some applaud the move as a creative tool to raise awareness and instil responsibility. However, there are also critics who question the logic behind penalising customers, pointing out concerns such as food taste preferences and portion sizing.
Viral Social Media Post Highlights Policy and Sparks Online Debate
The restaurant’s policy gained significant attention after a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) by user Ronita (@rons1212) shared a photo of the eatery’s handwritten menu, which clearly states the extra Rs 20 charge for wasting food.
Ronita captioned the post, “A hotel in Pune is charging ₹20 extra if you waste food. Every restaurant should do the same, weddings and functions should start charging fines too!” The post quickly gathered thousands of likes and retweets, sparking a lively debate online. Many netizens applauded the initiative, calling it an “excellent move” and urging more restaurants and events to adopt similar rules.
Some praised the charge as a practical behavioural nudge to curb the widespread food waste problem in India. However, others expressed concerns about the policy’s fairness, questioning what happens if the food does not meet personal taste or is inedible, making it difficult for customers to avoid wastage in such cases.
Background: Addressing India’s Food Waste Challenge
India wastes an estimated 40 percent of its food annually, significantly affecting both resources and environment. Various efforts nationwide focus on reducing wastage, from awareness campaigns to innovative solutions at hotels and events.
Notably, the Ibnii Spa and Resort in Coorg implemented a ‘Weigh the Waste’ programme in 2020, charging guests Rs 100 per 10 grams of leftover food, with proceeds going to feed orphaned children. This initiative drastically reduced food waste there, suggesting that similar efforts, including Pune’s Rs 20 extra charge, can raise valuable consciousness and foster behavioural change in food consumption.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian supports practical initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing food wastage, recognising that each individual’s responsibility plays a crucial role. However, punitive fees must be implemented judiciously, ensuring fairness and empathy toward customers who might have genuine reasons for uneaten food.
Education, transparent communication, and flexible ordering options can better encourage responsible dining without alienating patrons. Positive change thrives in environments where kindness, awareness, and dialogue coexist.`
