Pune University Suspends Rs 10 Canteen Meal Price Hike After SPPU Student Objections

Pune, 26th September 2026: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has suspended a proposed ₹10 increase in canteen meal prices following objections from students and student organisations.

In a letter issued on Saturday, the university said its September 17 circular had announced a revision in canteen rates, following which students and student organisations sought a review of the decision.

At its meeting on September 26, the university’s Management Council considered the drought-like conditions in Maharashtra and decided that the proposed increase would not be implemented from next month and would remain suspended. The statement has been translated from the Marathi letter.

The university also said a committee chaired by Management Council member Dr Jyotsna Ekbote would be formed to recommend measures to maintain the quality of food served in the canteens.

The letter urged students to suspend their agitation and cooperate with the university. It was signed by acting registrar Dr Prafulla A. Pawar.

Abhishek Shelkar, president of the University Students’ Struggle Action Committee’s SPPU unit and a member of the university’s Canteen Quality Control Committee, described the decision as a result of students’ collective efforts.

“Affordable, quality food is a student’s right,” Shelkar said in a statement. He added that students would continue to raise concerns regarding meal quality and portion sizes.

Pawan Jadhav, treasurer of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) university unit, welcomed the decision, saying it reflected student unity and democratic protest.

SPPU student Pratiksha Navale said the suspension of the proposed hike would help students avoid an additional financial burden amid rising expenses.