Key Update

Malayali nursing students in Mysuru have raised serious concerns about the hygiene and quality of food served in their hostels. They allege that meals supplied by Global Education Service—an agency catering to five hostels—were contaminated with feathers, traces of blood, plastic fragments, and even cockroaches. The agency, reportedly owned by Malayalis, handled the mess operations for these students.

Students cited multiple incidents to support their claims. They found feathers and blood in chicken curry, plastic pieces in chapatis served recently, and a cockroach in rice on another occasion. These repeated lapses have intensified concerns over food safety and oversight.

High Fees, Limited Freedom

Students pay approximately ₹80,000 as mess fees, yet claim they are not permitted to eat outside. Reports indicate that the mess contract forms part of an arrangement tied to student admissions. Students further alleged that authorities discouraged complaints by issuing threats. They claim officials warned of consequences such as reduced internal marks and withholding of certificates if they questioned food quality.

Hygiene Concerns Beyond Food

Beyond contamination, students pointed to poor storage practices, alleging that food items were kept in unhygienic spaces, including restrooms. Following complaints and intervention by K.C. Venugopal, the Karnataka government stepped in. Authorities shut down the mess and cancelled the consultancy’s licence. Despite the emergence of visuals and repeated complaints, students said college managements in Mysuru did not take timely action to address the issue.

Source: Manoramaonline