SPPU students meet MLA Rohit Pawar, demand more hostels, better mess facilities

A second-year master’s student, Pragati Gaikwad, who was among those waiting for Pawar at the university, said, “Some of us do not have cupboards, bulbs in the washroom area, functioning washing machine facilities in our hostels. We were given sanitary pad vending machines but they have not been functioning for a long time. These are basic necessities we need as students.”

Another student, Tukaram Shinde, said, “Students from all over the state and outside come to the city and their biggest challenge is getting a hostel. Construction of hostels for 1,000 more students was announced but the process has not even begun.”

Due to some last-minute changes, Pawar was unable to visit the university where the students had gathered, leaving several disappointed. However, a small delegation of about 20 students went to meet him in Manapa later at night.

The issue of the deteriorating quality of food in the mess was also brought up. Students demanded the opening of Aniket canteen, which was shut around two years ago, saying that the alternatives (food mall and Adarsh canteen) are quite far for many departments.

Another demand was that of better commuting facilities within the university, especially in the evening. Students said that the timings for CNG buses have been reduced since the pandemic and some of them have to walk for as long as 30-45 minutes.

Pawar assured the students of raising these matters in the senate meetings.

Pawar has been meeting the youth as part of his ‘Yuva Sangharsh Yatra’ which aims to focus on issues of the youth, especially education and employment.

Earlier in the day, during an interaction with Loksatta, Pawar spoke about the issue of government scholarships and fellowships, especially PhD scholarships like BANRF, SARTHI and Mahajyoti.

He told The Indian Express, “Scholarships and fellowships are usually quite delayed so we want them to be granted in advance. It is only students in need that seek scholarships and because of delays, they are expected to cover costs by themselves.”