KGMU bans cooking, serving of non veg in hostel messes after hygiene concerns; saints welcome move

Lucknow: King George’s Medical University (KGMU) has banned the cooking and serving of non-vegetarian food in all hostel messes and campus canteens with immediate effect, the university said on Wednesday. The administration said students will still be permitted to order non-vegetarian meals from outside or prepare them personally.

The decision followed an inspection of the campus by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, who is also chancellor of state universities, after she raised concerns about hygiene where non-vegetarian food was being prepared.

Several religious leaders welcomed the move. Satendra Das Vedant Ji Maharaj said he hoped the ban would be replicated at other educational institutions nationwide, calling for a wider prohibition in hostels and universities. Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das described the measure as positive, adding his view that non-vegetarian food does not necessarily improve health or strength. Kalki Ram, president of the Ramadal Trust, said the ban would reduce odour and help maintain a cleaner environment.

KGMU emphasised the change was motivated by hygiene considerations and reiterated that it does not restrict students’ choices to obtain or cook non-vegetarian food off-campus.

(Inputs from IANS)