The New Nation - Internet Edition

Jamal Uddin Jami

Dhaka University authority has decided to increase subsidy for food served by the residential hall canteens as the food quality is decreasing day by day.

It was decided to increase the subsidy to Tk 14 lakh from Tk 8 lakh. As per the allocation, university halls will get Tk 82,353 each per year.

Students welcomed the decision, as the university authority paid heed to their long-standing demand, but they believed the allocation was not enough to ensure quality food.

Terming the allocation very poor, Zafar Iqbal Rocky, 3rd year student of Accounting and Information System Department, said the University authorities could collect money from affluent sections of the society to enhance the amenities of the students. He said the affluent people of the country would respond, if the university authority urged them to come forward in this regard. Sources said education ministry would allocate especial funds to the DU for increasing students' facilities, while the university authority will spend some money from the fund for DUCSU in this regard. Vice-chancellor of the University Prof SMA Faiz directed the Hall Provosts to ensure that the hall canteens were kept neat and clean and also to monitor it regularly. He said this while addressing a meeting of Hall Provosts yesterday.

"The food quality has to be ensured as far as possible although the price of essentials were increasing daily," said the VC and added that the environment of the canteens must be suitable for enjoying the meal. He also asked the hall authority to fix the meal rates that would be bearable to the students. Students have to expend Tk 20 to Tk 22 per meal that was Tk 15 to Tk 16 a few months ago.

Meanwhile, the authority has decided to serve improved diet to the students on November 16, as the university could not serve it during Eid-ul-Fitr due to unscheduled closure.