KOLKATA: After enduring losses for two years, some college and university canteens in the city have hiked prices of food items to stay afloat, whereas others have decided to stick to pre-pandemic rates to keep their clientele intact. The price rise at Presidency University canteens - Srishti and Puroshottam - prompted Students Council to write to the authority demanding subsidised rates, whereas Jadavpur University has formed a canteen committee to fix standard food rates.
Souren Mallick, general secretary of Presidency University Students Council, said, "Students from different economic backgrounds study in this university, hence the price should be affordable to all. As mess services have not resumed in Eden Hindu Hostel and girls' hostel, boarders rely on canteens for daily meals." Owner of Srishti canteen, Rathin Mondal, said, "Price of food items have risen only by Rs 5, even though a hike of Rs 10 was necessary to meet expenses."
