JOIN USIt came as a sudden surprise for students who regulary visit the Arts Faculty canteen in North Campus. Their favourite and economical eating joint was replaced, virtually overnight, by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’s (IRCTC) canteen this month.
All of a sudden there were stone tables and wooden chairs, new chefs, a new cashier and most importantly, a revamped menu. The addition is two more small cafes right outside the canteen which sell juices, snacks and ice-cream. Extra eating space has been added too.
The new canteen is part of vice-chancellor Dinesh Singh’s efforts to offer more ‘hygienic and affordable food.’ Metrolife checks with students the negative and positive sides of the move.
Samarth Manocha, a II year student of Keshav Mahavidyalaya, has been coming to this canteen for a long time. “The service is almost the same but there is variety in the menu. In fact, there is ice cream and other snacks also. But the best part about the old canteen were its economical charges. Moreover, a sense of belonging is missing now.”
Now a Special Thali costs Rs 80, a plate of paneer rice Rs 60 and a regular thali also at Rs 60. Rest of the food items cost between Rs 10 to 50. Akanksha Bhardwaj, a student of Bachelor of Business Studies, visits this canteen every time she comes to Arts Faculty for theatre practice.
According to her, prices are a little higher but the food is also better. “Only those who have been coming here on a regular basis will see the difference. The seating arrangement is what surprises most but the food is better. More snacks are available now. I do miss the sprout laddoos of the old canteen, though,” she says.
Adorning the walls are posters of Indian railways with healthy suggestions like ‘Drink lots of water, eat fruits and exercise on a daily basis’. Gaurav Kumar, the new cashier, informs, “The canteen opened on February 1. Everyday, there is a special menu.”
While the change is acceptable to students (since they have no other option) slashed prices are what they want. Taha Abdul, a student of Zakir Hussain College says, “Food is better now. In fact, even the plates are of good quality. But prices are high. They need to be in touch with the fact that students are being served.”
However, a rather pleasant change is in store for non-veg lovers. Now the menu also has dishes like chicken biryani, chicken noodles and chicken curry costing between
Rs 50 to 100.