By increasing the food bill at the mess by 27%, the LD College of Engineering appears to have stepped on a raw nerve. The increase in the price of the meal served from Rs 55 to Rs 70 has caused major uproar among students. The student unions were quick to take up the issue and sais the additional financial burden on student staying in the hostel coming from poor financial backgrounds is unacceptable.
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) held a protest at the LD Engineering College yesterday. They thretened a bigger agitation if the price hike is not withdrawn. The Regional President of National Students Union of India (NSUI) met the principal of the college along with a delegation of members.
The College officials however said that the price hike is only for the hostel non-resident. They also clarified that the claim of price hike from
Rs 55 to Rs 70 is incorrect, the actual increase is from Rs. 55 to Rs.60, for resident students. The college authorities justified the minor hike in the context of general rise in prices of food.
The agitation reminds one of the famous NavNirman Andolan, which changed the course of history in Gujarat and catapulated several youths into big political leaders in the time to come.
It all started in the month of December 1973, exactly 50 years ago, when a similar hike in hostel food bill ignited students protest. The agitation went on to overthrow of the Gujarat government.
The movement got national fame after Jay Prakash Narayan voiced his support. Hi Sampoorna Kranti movement in Bihar, inspired by Nav Nirman, eventually became one of the major causes for Indira Gandhi to declare the emergency in 1975.
Some analysts believe the 73-day agitation actually established the foundation of the BJP, then the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, in Gujarat. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also talked about his brush with the movement.
HC Rejects AAP MLA Vasava’s Bail Plea : Also read
