Members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), along with students, alleged that the University had failed to act despite repeated complaints and inspections by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). Students gathered inside the Registrar's cabin, alleging that poor-quality food continued to be served despite previous FDA inspections.
According to the students, the students had earlier lodged a complaint with the FDA, following which officials conducted a raid and reportedly identified 26 violations. They further claimed that an earlier FDA inspection conducted around a year ago had also found 18 irregularities.
“When we asked the FDA officials whether this was their first raid, they replied that a similar raid was conducted a year ago, during which 18 malpractices were found. The university authorities were aware of the findings, yet the same contractor continued to serve food to students,” a student alleged.
The protesters demanded immediate steps to ensure hygienic and safe food is provided on campus and sought accountability from those responsible for monitoring the canteen.
Following the protest, Goa University suspended the main canteen contractor. The University also announced that students would not be charged mess fees until a new caterer is appointed.
Students further demanded the replacement of the Member Secretary of the Canteen Committee, alleging that repeated complaints regarding food quality had been ignored.
