Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) in Rourkela has assured hostel boarders that measures will be taken to improve food quality and hygiene after student protests over allegations of unsafe canteen practices. The university has also formed a fact-finding committee to examine the complaints, while denying that a viral video proves a worker kneaded dough with his feet.
The dispute began after a video purportedly showing a canteen worker pressing dough with his feet circulated on social media. Students said the alleged incident took place on Saturday evening and protested on Sunday by boycotting breakfast and lunch. They demanded action against the food contractor and those responsible for what they described as a serious hygiene lapse.
The boarders also told the university that hair and insects had previously been found in food served at the hostel. These claims are part of the allegations being examined by the committee. Following discussions with the students, the protest was withdrawn and the boarders resumed meals with dinner on Sunday after receiving assurances that their concerns would be addressed.
BPUT authorities met the hostel boarders again on Monday and reiterated their commitment to serving hygienic food. The discussions focused on the students’ complaints about food quality and the steps required to address them within the campus canteen system.
BPUT director Shiv Kumar Mishra rejected the specific allegation that the worker had kneaded dough with his feet. “The claim that a worker was pressing dough with his feet is false. The video footage does not establish that the worker was using his feet to knead dough,” Mishra said.
The university’s position separates the disputed interpretation of the video from the wider food-quality concerns raised by students. While the administration said the footage did not establish the alleged act, it also confirmed that the students’ complaints would be investigated and that measures would be taken to improve hygiene standards.
“Regarding the students’ concerns about food quality, we have assured them that hygienic food will be served. The fact-finding committee will examine all allegations and submit its findings,” Mishra said.
The episode places the focus on the responsibility of educational institutions to monitor food contractors and maintain safe meal-preparation practices in residential campuses. In this case, the immediate protest ended after the university engaged with the boarders, but the committee’s findings will determine whether the wider complaints about food contamination and hygiene require further action.
BPUT has not disclosed the committee’s membership or a deadline for its report in the information available. The next formal step is the committee’s examination of the students’ allegations and submission of its findings to the university authorities.
