Government Hostels in Pune Consider New Rules for Online Food Delivery

Pune, 12th February 2025: Government hostels in Pune are contemplating new regulations for online food delivery services, despite no current official restrictions on ordering food from outside. This move comes in response to safety concerns and the potential for misuse of delivery services.

The initiative to create guidelines for online food delivery in hostels follows a recent incident at a government hostel in Moshi. There, female students who ordered pizza from outside were issued notices suspending their hostel admission for a month. This action was taken by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department.

While hostels under the Social Welfare Department currently have no restrictions on ordering food from outside, the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) hostels are now considering implementing new rules. These potential regulations aim to address security concerns, including the possibility of unauthorized items being smuggled into hostels through delivery services.

Prof. Varsha Wankhede, Hostel Head at Savitribai Phule Pune University, explained their current policy: “Girls can order food from outside, but late-night deliveries are kept with security guards. Students must collect parcels from guards and cannot directly receive them outside.” She added that discussions are underway to formulate new rules in light of recent events.

Prashant Jadhav, Joint Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department, stated that while there are no written rules prohibiting outside food in their hostels and schools, students are expected to follow certain guidelines as a social responsibility. He mentioned that bringing outside food is discouraged due to health concerns, but exceptions are made for special occasions with proper written assurances.

Nitin Udas, Deputy Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department at PMC, outlined their hostel rules: “Students cannot be absent from the hostel between 10 PM and 6 AM without written permission. Visitors must leave by 8 PM, and overnight stays are not allowed.” He added that food deliveries are permitted until 11 PM, but students must collect orders at the entrance, and no unknown persons are allowed inside late at night.