SPPU students call off protest after vice-chancellor's fee hike assurance

Students at Savitribai Phule Pune University have temporarily halted their protest against a proposed mess fee hike after receiving assurances from the institution's vice-chancellor. The Student Federation of India (SFI), which spearheaded the agitation, announced the suspension of demonstrations pending administrative action. The decision comes after negotiations between student representatives and university leadership regarding the contentious fee increase affecting hostel meals. The SFI stated that if the university does not issue a formal circular withdrawing the fee hike by September 26, students will resume agitation. A planned 'thali march'—a symbolic protest involving the display of meal trays—is scheduled for 4 p.m. on that date should the administration fail to comply. The protest had gained momentum over concerns that the fee increase would disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged students relying on subsidized hostel facilities. University officials have acknowledged student grievances and committed to reviewing the decision, though the final determination remains pending. The outcome will be closely watched as a test of the administration's willingness to reverse the controversial move.