SPPU students suspend mess fee protest after V-C assurance; decision on hike on Sept 26

Students at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) have officially suspended their ongoing protest regarding proposed increases to mess fees. The decision follows assurances provided by the university's Vice-Chancellor, who has engaged with student representatives to address concerns over the rising cost of living on campus.

According to a statement released by the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the suspension of the agitation is conditional. The student body has set a deadline of September 26 for the university administration to issue an official circular formally withdrawing the controversial fee hike. Should the administration fail to meet this requirement, the SFI has announced plans to resume their protest action, including a scheduled 'thali march' at 4 p.m. on that day.

The protest highlights broader concerns among the student population regarding the affordability of essential services at the university. As negotiations continue, the student body remains focused on securing a written commitment from the university leadership to ensure that the financial burden on students is not increased without further consultation and transparency.