JNV students lock themselves in hostel, go on hunger strike over food, water quality

The students began their protest around 4am and also boycotted classes. They demanded that a senior administrative officer visit the campus, hear their complaints and provide a written assurance on resolving the issues before they call off the protest.

Students at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Anaugi, Kannauj, locked themselves inside their hostel and began a hunger strike in the early hours of Thursday, alleging poor-quality food, unsafe drinking water and misconduct by school staff, including the principal.

The students began their protest around 4am and also boycotted classes. (Sourced)

The students began their protest around 4am and also boycotted classes. They demanded that a senior administrative officer visit the campus, hear their complaints and provide a written assurance on resolving the issues before they call off the protest.

In a three-page complaint and videos circulated by the students, they alleged poor hygiene in the mess and claimed that stale food was being served. Their allegations included being served month-old boondi, curd mixed with vinegar and milk treated with soda. They also alleged that insects and even a lizard had been found in food.

The students further claimed that handpumps on the campus were supplying yellow, contaminated water and that the RO purification system was not functioning. They alleged that the head cook and other mess employees abused students who raised objections and threatened them with transfer certificates.

Pandey said that on Wednesday evening, an insect commonly found during the rainy season had accidentally fallen into a student’s food. “The child was immediately told not to eat it and was offered another meal,” he said, adding that the incident was subsequently exaggerated.

Kannauj district magistrate Ashutosh Mohan Agnihotri said the administration was aware of the students’ protest. He said an administrative team would be sent to the school to speak directly with the students, assess the situation and take necessary action in accordance with the rules.