Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Student activists launch indefinite sit-in at Pune University over meal price hike
Members of the Student Federation of India have begun an open-ended protest at Savitribai Phule Pune University against a ₹10 increase in meal charges at campus dining facilities. The agitation follows unsuccessful negotiations between student representatives and university leadership.
LSN India ·
Student activists affiliated with the Student Federation of India (SFI) have initiated an indefinite sit-in demonstration at Savitribai Phule Pune University in response to a recent hike in meal prices at university canteens. The protesters are demanding the immediate rollback of the ₹10 increase imposed on meal charges.
The protest action was triggered after a student delegation met with SPPU Vice-Chancellor Suresh Gosavi on September 21, 2026, to seek withdrawal of the fee increase. Following the unsuccessful meeting, SFI members escalated their campaign by launching the sit-in protest on the university premises.
The dispute centers on affordability concerns raised by students, who argue that the meal price increase places additional financial burden on campus residents and commuting scholars. University officials have not yet issued a public statement addressing the protesters' demands or offering alternative proposals for resolution.
The sit-in represents the latest in a series of student agitations across Indian universities regarding hostel and cafeteria charges. Campus administrators have historically faced pressure from student organizations on matters related to facility costs and accessibility.