Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 17 2010:
Amid contrasting claims, manipur University hostellers numbering about 250 have voiced their resentment against the recent increase in mess fee.
Hostellers of the University's five hostel blocks launched a protest today against hike in the mess fee from Rs 800 to Rs 1000 per month.
Chanting slogans the protestors demanded a meeting with the Vice Chancellor but were foiled by security personnel from proceeding beyond the gate of the VC's office.
An initial talk between the protestors and the varsity's dean of Students Welfare Prof Th Ratankumar failed to resolve the issue after which the hostellers insisted on meeting the VC.
Even as the hostellers decried the fee hike, Prof Ratankumar speaking to some newspersons ridiculed the agitation as unjustifiable while pointing out that every university hostel is run through monthly subscription of Rs 1000 or above mess fee.
Asserting that under the present situation where prices of essential commodities have sky-rocketed, it would be impossible to run the hostel mess at the previous rate of Rs 800, the Dean maintained and claimed that at the previous rate the University incurred deficit of Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000 every month.
He also stated that till date no complain has been received from parents/guardians with regard to the increase in mess fee.
A hostel warden also informed that the hostellers had been explained with details about Rs 5283 deficit incurred in june whereas the figure was Rs 8473 in May and expressed surprise that the hostellers are still demanding the mess fee remain at Rs 800 .
Insisting that the university authorities would persist with the Rs 1000 mess fee taking into account that prices of essential commodities in the State have gone up, the warden however conceded that problems of toilet and drinking water facilities need to be addressed.
Efforts are on to resolve these problems, the warden assured.
Contrary to the clarifications, some of the agitating students alleged that inspite of annual increment of Rs 200-300 further hike by Rs 200 is unreasonable for there is no provision of quality food to the hostellers.
They also disclosed that at the time of hostel admission, sports fee, hostel management fee etc are levied by University authorities but neither is sports meet organised nor are there provision of a better toilets, bathrooms and regular supply of electricity.