Surat: Samras hostel girls launch protest over poor food, water shortage

Students residing at the government-run Samras Girls’ Hostel in Surat staged a protest over poor-quality food, water shortages, cleanliness and inadequate basic facilities. The students raised slogans against the hostel administration and sang Ramdhun during the protest. Police also reached the spot and tried to control the situation, as per the IANS X post.

A student residing at the hostel said water-related problems have persisted for the past several years. She said the hostel has a capacity of around 2,000 women, while around 1,200 students are currently staying there, she told IANS.

Students flag water, food issues

“There have been many problems in the hostel for the past several years, mainly related to water and food. Forget drinking water, even water for bathing isn't available,” the student told IANS.

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She said water is supplied for only around one hour a day, leaving students struggling to bathe, wash clothes and store water. She also alleged that toilet flushes do not work properly, adding to the sanitation problems.

Another student told IANS that the food served at the hostel has been a major concern for the past two to three years. She alleged that the food is sometimes not fit for consumption and that insects, cockroaches and hair have been found in meals and salad.

“When we complain, they improve the food quality for just two or three days, but then hair starts appearing in it again,” the student told IANS.

Students flag poor room facilities

Students also raised concerns about the condition of rooms and other basic facilities at the hostel.

According to a student residing at the hostel, around 1,000 to 1,200 girls are currently staying at the Samras Girls’ Hostel. The student told IANS that the water filters are not working properly and that students are being provided with unhygienic water.

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The student also alleged that basic facilities inside the rooms are inadequate, with fans and lights not functioning properly. She said that four girls share a room and that the limited water supply of only one hour a day makes it difficult for them to manage their daily needs.

The protesting students have demanded improvements in food quality, regular water supply, cleanliness and basic accommodation facilities at the Samras Girls’ Hostel.