Tamil Nadu Minister Vanni Arasu said a section of government hostel students had sought beef on the menu, citing the high cost of mutton. He said a decision would be taken after discussions with officials. Puthiya Tamilagam chief K Krishnasamy opposed the proposal and demanded that the statement be withdrawn.
Tamil Nadu Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu on Friday said some students had asked for beef to be added to the menu in government hostels, and that a decision would be taken after discussions with officials. He said the request came from a section of hostellers, while views on the issue differed among students.
Speaking to reporters after reviewing facilities at the MC Raja Social Justice Hostel in Saidapet, Arasu said the department had been making changes to hostel menus based on student feedback. He also said another part of the existing menu had already been revised, with non-vegetarian options and a weekly biryani service in place.
Arasu said several students from rural backgrounds had sought the inclusion of beef along with the non-vegetarian items already being served. “Currently, mutton and chicken items are served and biryani will be served on Mondays in government hostels,” he said.
He added, “However, a section of students coming from rural areas pointed out that mutton remains relatively expensive, which was not consumed by them, and requested that beef be added to the menu.” He said, “Since opinions vary among hostellers, a decision will be taken after consulting with officials concerned.”
The minister also said the department had been reforming hostel menus item by item based on student feedback. He said dishes such as upma and semiya kichadi had been removed and replaced with breakfast items such as idli and dosa.
Meanwhile, Puthiya Tamilagam founder and president Dr K Krishnasamy strongly objected to the minister’s statement on the possible inclusion of beef in hostel menus. He warned that such a decision would have “serious consequences” and said hostellers needed balanced nutrition that included proteins and essential vitamins.
