Daijiworld Media Network – Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur, Aug 7: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has directed Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University to establish a regulated mess facility in its boys' hostels, expressing concern that food brought from outside could pose safety and health risks.

Addressing the 45th convocation ceremony of the university on Thursday, the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, said she was speaking not only in her official capacity but also as a mother concerned about the well-being of students.

Patel said the absence of a hostel mess could allow prohibited items to be brought into the campus through food containers and stressed the need for a regulated meal system.

She instructed the university authorities to submit reports on hostel facilities directly to her and asked them to set up a proper food arrangement within three months. The university, she said, could either operate its own mess or appoint authorised agencies to provide meals to students.

The Governor also urged students to stay away from narcotic substances and contribute towards building a "Developed India".

Expressing concern over the quality of food served around the campus, Patel said she had asked the food safety department to collect food samples for testing and would also have separate tests conducted in Lucknow. She voiced concern over the possibility of food samples being tampered with during transit to laboratories.

Stressing the importance of nutritious food, she said students require healthy meals to ensure their physical and mental well-being.

During the convocation ceremony, the university honoured 85 meritorious students with medals for their academic excellence in the presence of faculty members, university officials and students.