Hostel food hygiene has been a topic of debate among students at Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) in Bhopal, India. On March 18, 2023, a shocking incident occurred during lunch hour at the campus canteen in Gandhinagar, where students alleged they found what appeared to be a lizard in their meal.
The situation escalated when a canteen worker, in an attempt to defuse the situation, consumed the suspected lizard, claiming it was merely a piece of capsicum. Eyewitnesses reported their horror at the staff member’s actions, with one student exclaiming, “Bhai saab, yeh kya hai, dekh lo,” which translates to “Brother, what is this, take a look.” The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, amplifying the outrage among the student body.
In response to the uproar, RGPV announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. The canteen operator, however, denied the allegations, insisting that no lizard was served. The staff member involved reiterated his claim, stating, “Shimla mirch hai yaar,” meaning “It’s capsicum, man.” Despite this, students have demanded that the canteen be shut down until the investigation is complete.
The incident has put hostel food hygiene back under the spotlight, raising serious concerns about the safety and quality of food served on campus. The university’s director assured students that their health would not be compromised, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to maintaining food safety standards.
As the inquiry progresses, observers are keen to see what actions will be taken to address the students’ concerns and ensure that such incidents do not recur. The incident has not only highlighted the immediate issue of food hygiene but has also reignited discussions about the overall quality of food services provided to students at RGPV.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the findings of the inquiry committee, but the incident has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the student community, prompting calls for stricter food safety regulations on campus.
