Savitribai Phule Pune University refectory contractor cries foul play, wants to discontinue service

After students complained of finding worms in food being served to them at the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) refectory on March 19, the latter’s contractor Rajesh Gaikwad has written to varsity administration requesting to discontinue services.

Gaikwad, owner of Rajani Mahila Vividh Karykari Sahkari Sanstha Maryadit under which the refectory is currently proving services, alleges he and his staff are being targeted by a group of students and quality food is served.

“Since January 6, 2019, we are providing service at the SPPU refectory. We are unnecessarily being targeted by a group of students. I have written to the SPPU administration to discontinue our service at the refractory. If the administration supports us then we will continue providing quality food to students,” he said.

Prabhakar Desai, director of students’ welfare department, SPPU, said, “We have received a letter from the contractor stating his unwillingness to provide service at the SPPU refectory. A meeting will be held on Saturday, March 23, at SPPU to discuss various student-related issues. So, the picture will be clear whether the contractor will continue providing services or not.”

Nandakumar Hange, a PhD student from SPPU, said, “For last many years we are not getting quality food at the refectory. The contractor gets changed, but the issue remains the same. If this contractor wants to quit, then he should be released immediately, but the health of students should not be compromised.”

The SPPU refectory food facility is availed by 850 students. It also provides 300 additional meals through coupon system, besides serving 1,100 meals at one time daily. The charges for the one-time meal are Rs 32 and monthly membership of Rs 960 (30 plates) and Rs 1,920 (60 plates) is also available.