Pune: SPPU Hikes Mess Rates, Student Groups Threaten Protest
Pune, 19th September 2026: Students at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will have to pay Rs 10 more for meals at university messes from October 1, with the administration citing rising prices of foodgrains, pulses, edible oil, dairy products, commercial LPG and workers’ wages.
The university announced the revised rates through a press statement issued by the acting registrar. The hike has triggered opposition from student organisations, which have threatened to lock the vice-chancellor’s office if the decision is not withdrawn.
The university said meal rates had remained unchanged between 2022 and 2026 despite a substantial rise in the cost of foodgrains, pulses, edible oil, dairy products, commercial LPG and labour. Providing clean, nutritious and wholesome food at the existing rates was therefore no longer financially viable, it said.
Under the revised rates, a limited vegetarian meal will cost Rs 48 for monthly members, up from Rs 38, while non-members will pay Rs 57 instead of Rs 47.
View this post on Instagram
The limited mini-meal will cost Rs 38 for monthly members, compared with Rs 28 earlier, while the rate for non-members has been increased from Rs 35 to Rs 45.
The hike has led to growing resentment among students, with student groups demanding that the administration reconsider the decision.
