SFI begins indefinite sit-in protest at Savitribai Phule Pune University over ₹10 increase in meal charges

The students also demanded that Savitribai Phule Pune University provide financial support to the messes to ensure affordable and quality food. File | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) began an indefinite sit-in protest at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) in Pune on Monday, September 21, demanding the rollback of a ₹10 increase in meal charges at messes on the university campus.The protest was launched after a delegation of students met SPPU Vice-Chancellor Suresh Gosavi on Monday (September 21, 2026) and sought the immediate withdrawal of the increase. The students also demanded that the university provide financial support to the messes to ensure affordable and quality food.According to a statement from the SFI’s Pune City Committee, meal charges at refectories on the SPPU campus have increased by ₹10. The organisation said the increase would place an additional financial burden on students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds who are already meeting expenses related to accommodation, study materials, travel and other daily needs.The SFI also cited the drought situation in parts of Maharashtra while arguing that the increase would make meals less affordable for students coming to the university from across the State.The organisation alleged that Mr. Gosavi did not provide a satisfactory response to the delegation’s demands, following which it decided to begin the indefinite dharna.The SFI has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ₹10 increase and sought a subsidy of ₹15 per plate from university funds for campus messes. It has also called for students to be provided hygienic, nutritious and good-quality meals.The organisation said the protest would continue until its demands were addressed. Published - September 22, 2026 05:15 am IST