Jaipur, 18 November. Under the initiative of Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma and the guidance of Medical & Health Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar, effective measures are being taken to strengthen the overall infrastructure and essential facilities in the state’s medical colleges and affiliated hospitals. As part of these efforts, the Department of Medical Education has issued 12-point guidelines to address issues related to mess and canteen services in government and affiliated medical colleges across Rajasthan. These guidelines aim to ensure clean, affordable, nutritious, and student-centric food services in medical college hostels and connected hospitals.
The Medical & Health Minister stated that this 12-point framework will play an important role in improving food quality, timely service, hygiene, fair pricing, and efficient management. He added that resolving canteen-related issues will help maintain students’ health, boost their morale, and have a positive impact on their academic performance. More than 20,000 medical students in the state will benefit from a healthier and stress-free environment.
Mr. Ambarish Kumar, Secretary, Medical Education, informed that these orders have been issued to the principals and controllers of medical colleges and universities in Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur, Ajmer, and all other districts. As per the guidelines, it is mandatory for all medical colleges and hostels—urban and rural—to immediately establish proper mess and canteen facilities. These directives will come into effect right away.
Special Focus on Canteen Hygiene
As per the guidelines, canteens must maintain a clean kitchen, safe drinking water, proper waste management, adequate seating, and regular cleanliness audits. A joint committee comprising students, faculty, and administration will decide the menu, keeping in mind seasonal variations and specific dietary or medical requirements.
Rates to Be Determined by a Joint Committee
The joint committee will approve fair food pricing, ensuring no arbitrary fee hikes. Transparent billing and accounting will be mandatory. Canteen operators will be selected through transparent e-tendering, with annual renewal and performance-based evaluation. Penalties will be imposed for violating norms or quality standards.
Student-Led Mess Committee
The mess committee will consist of 50% students, 30% faculty, and 20% administration representatives, responsible for overseeing daily operations, menu planning, and contractor management. Monthly meetings will be compulsory.
A grievance redressal system with a 24-hour helpline and online portal will be set up, with complaints to be resolved within 48 hours. Canteen staff must undergo mandatory training in food safety, hygiene, and customer service. Health certificates and background verification of staff will also be compulsory. Time-bound service and emergency provisions must be ensured.
Quarterly inspections will be conducted, and contracts may be terminated for violations.
Special Focus on Rural Areas
Rural medical colleges will receive subsidies and infrastructure support to strengthen canteen services. Orientation sessions on nutrition and hygiene will be held for students. Additionally, an annual satisfaction survey will be conducted for every canteen.
