Jaipur: Food prices at Rajasthan University’s central canteen have increased by 25% to 100% under the revised rate list, prompting students to demand its rollback. The hike comes despite the university reducing the rent quoted in the new tender by 25%. A comparison of the old and new rates shows prices of onion kachori, bread pakoda and mirchi bada have risen by 25%, while samosa and aloo paratha prices have doubled. Samosa now costs Rs 30, against Rs 15 earlier, while two aloo parathas cost Rs 100, up from Rs 50. Postdoctoral fellow Sajjan Kumar Saini said, “This is not a five-star hotel. Ordinary students, including children of poor farmers, come to the campus. The university canteen is not supposed to be a place for making money.” NSUI RU in charge Vijaypal Kuri said, “Given that rent was reduced by 25% in the new tender, the price of food items should have decreased accordingly. Campus dining rates ought to remain affordable for students.” Students have submitted a representation to the vice-chancellor seeking a reduction in the revised rates.
