Food hygiene has long been a contentious issue among students at Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) in Bhopal, India. Recently, this concern escalated dramatically when students alleged that a lizard was found in their meal during lunch hour at the campus canteen in Gandhinagar. The incident, which occurred on March 18, 2023, quickly gained traction on social media after a video of the unsettling discovery went viral.
In the video, students expressed their shock and disgust, with one student exclaiming, “Bhai saab, yeh kya hai, dekh lo,” which translates to “Brother, what is this, take a look.” The canteen worker involved in the incident attempted to downplay the situation, insisting that the object was merely a piece of capsicum, stating, “Yeh toh shimla mirchi ka tukda hai,” meaning “This is just a piece of capsicum.” However, eyewitnesses were not convinced, with some describing the object as having a lizard-like appearance.
The canteen operator has denied the allegations of serving a lizard, claiming that the staff member had declared the object was indeed capsicum in front of witnesses. Despite this, students have called for the canteen to be shut down until a thorough investigation is completed. The incident has reignited discussions about food safety and hygiene standards on campus, with many students expressing their horror at the situation.
In response to the uproar, RGPV announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The university’s director assured students that their health would not be compromised, emphasizing that the institution takes such allegations seriously. Observers note that this incident has put a spotlight on the broader issue of food hygiene in hostels and campus canteens.
As the inquiry unfolds, students remain vigilant, demanding accountability and improvements to food safety protocols. The incident has not only raised immediate concerns about the canteen’s practices but has also sparked a larger conversation about the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards in educational institutions.
With the investigation underway, it remains to be seen what measures will be implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of students at RGPV. The community is hopeful that this incident will lead to meaningful changes that prioritize student health and hygiene.
