Azim Premji University students flag ‘poor-quality food’ in campus cafeteria, demand role in decision-making

While its discussions are underway with the management, the university’s student body has listed out a series of demands over food management and safety including seeking active student participation in the decision-making process. The students have also submitted to the management a detailed charter consisting of demands such as minimum standard guarantees for food provided on campus, which the university officials are learnt to be reviewing.

Students submit survey report

The student body submitted a memorandum to the registrar in February along with a survey that showed discontent among the student community over food quality, quantity and management in the campus canteen.

The survey report, a copy of which is with indianexpress.com, elicited responses from 800 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The report showed that nearly 70 per cent of the respondents found the food provided on the campus canteen is not meeting the nutritional requirements. Eighty-five per cent of the students supported the idea of students being involved in making decisions about food vendors, food pricing, menu, and food composition, among other factors. The survey also revealed that 66 per cent of students supported the idea of APU running its own mess with its own hired staff who operate, manage, ensure quality control. Sixty-two per cent of respondents also found the price of items in the campus cafeteria unreasonable.

The food charter endorsed by nearly 800 students highlights concerns regarding food, quality, quantity, affordability and nutritional value. The charter calls for the right of students to decide their meal portions without having to pay extra charges and urges the university to keep food prices low. The charter also demands higher food quality, ensuring meals are not diluted with excess water, gravy, or maida and that hygiene standards are strictly followed. Additionally, the students insist that food scholarships should cover actual costs and be disbursed monthly instead of weekly. The students also urged APU to run its own mess with in-house staff for better management and quality control.

APU administration’s response

The administration of APU responding to the student’s memorandum outlined measures taken to improve the food system and addressed specific demands raised by students.

According to APU’s response, reviewed by indianexpress.com, students now play a greater role in menu planning and food quality assessments through sensory evaluations conducted with the food and beverage team. “Escalation protocols for complaints have also been revised, with designated F&B team members available during meal hours. Additionally, periodic raw material audits have been reinforced to ensure brand compliance, and more meal counters have been opened to reduce wait times,” the administration said.

The administration stated that while an unlimited meal plan is not currently feasible without revising pricing models, alternative solutions are being explored. “Food financial assistance (FFA) will continue covering three meals daily, with provisions for revision based on price fluctuations. Furthermore, tuck shop vendors have been directed to introduce lower-priced MRP products to enhance affordability,” it said.

The university also said that it had penalised vendors for inconsistencies and introduced regular quality checks. “Nutritional audits will also be conducted, and students will have a say in menu revisions,” the statement said. “The university is also evaluating different cafeteria models, including a subscription-based system, and remains open to student participation in food-related decisions.”

“Though the administration has responded, some of the answers are vague. Both the student community and the administration are now working towards resolving the issue,” said a student who wished to be anonymous.

APU is yet to comment on this issue.