IIT Bombay reserves tables for ‘Vegetarians’ only; APPSC condemns

The institute has also stated that in case of any violation identified by the mess team (Council), they will take proper action and impose appropriate penalties.

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has reserved some of the tables in the hostel mess for ‘Vegetarians’ only. However, some of the students are not happy with the decision and have condemned it.

As per a notice circulating on social media, IIT Bombay based on a recent meeting with all three hostel wardens and council members of H-12, 13 & 14, it has been decided to designate only six tables exclusively for vegetarian food. These tables will be marked clearly with signage stating, "This place is designated for vegetarian food ONLY."

“We kindly request all residents to support this initiative so that everyone can enjoy their meals in a peaceful environment,” reads the notice.

It states that the mess is for all and everyone's comfortable dining is our responsibility. There is no doubt that there are some people who can't resist the view and smell of nonveg food during their dining, and this may create health issues as well. It states: “Hence, this is necessary to designate 6 tables where only veg food will be taken by anyone. Our primary goal is to ensure that every resident enjoys a comfortable and pleasant dining experience. To address this issue and create a more inclusive environment.”

On these six tables, anyone can sit there with vegetarian food only. In case of any violation identified by the mess team (Council), they will take proper action and impose appropriate penalties. Such violations will also be considered in disciplinary action, as they disrupt the harmony, we aim to maintain in our dining facilities.

“We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that these designated tables are respected and used as intended. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and peaceful dining experience for everyone in our mess,” the notice reads.

Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC) IIT Bombay sharing the notice through its handle on X stated: “First there were "vegetarian only" posters, that the IITB admin had awkwardly termed as "unauthorized", after protest by students. Then there was an unending delay in removing those. And now the admin has officially declared some tables in the mess as "for vegetarian food ONLY!"

The student association has also condemned the decision and stated that after weeks of an ambiguous and awkward back and forth on the food segregation policy, the admin has finally revealed where they stand.

Read more:

• IIT Jodhpur researchers design electrocatalysts to synthesize "Green Ammonia" as Fuel
• IIT Delhi with IIIT Delhi start Medical Cobotics Centre to Foster Innovation in Healthcare