Thu Mar 27 09:46:07 UTC 2025: ## Bangalore University’s Abandoned Food Court Leaves Students Hungry
**Bengaluru, March 27, 2025** – Students at Bangalore University’s prestigious Jnanabharathi campus are forced to rely on street vendors for meals due to the prolonged closure of the university’s main food court. The facility, located near the Civil Engineering Department, has remained shut for over 15 years, leaving students with limited on-campus dining options.
According to students, only one small canteen and a few snack shops are operational, forcing many to resort to less hygienic alternatives. One group of MA students described their reliance on street food stalls, highlighting the lack of a suitable campus dining hall.
Vice-Chancellor Jayakara S.M. attributed the closure to a lack of bidders for the food court’s operation. Despite three tenders being floated, none have received any responses. The university suggests low anticipated profits, due to the presence of campus hostels, might be a deterrent. The current rental proposal of ₹15,000 per month is also cited as a major obstacle by vendors and student representatives.
Bhagya, a local vendor operating near the abandoned food court, noted strong student demand, earning ₹7,000-₹8,000 daily. She believes the high rental cost and associated operational expenses make it unsustainable for private entities.
Lokesh Ram, Vice-President of the Bangalore University Postgraduate and Research Scholars Union, advocates for a lease model instead of a rental agreement to attract bidders. He suggests a five-year lease would incentivize investment in renovations and improvements, creating a more vibrant social space for students.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed willingness to negotiate terms and offer subsidized rent to potential bidders, hinting at a new tender being floated soon. However, the protracted closure of the food court continues to highlight a significant gap in campus facilities, leaving students with limited and potentially less healthy food options.
First Piper 