Pune, 1st July 2026: Students staying at the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Student Hostel on Ghole Road will receive a higher monthly food allowance after the civic body's General Body approved an increase in the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) amount from ₹2,150 to ₹3,200 per month.
The hostel, managed by PMC's Social Development Department, has a capacity of around 400 students. At present, 157 students are enrolled and receive the food allowance directly in their bank accounts.
The previous amount had remained unchanged since 2017 despite a sharp rise in food prices, vegetables and mess charges, increasing the financial burden on students.
Students had repeatedly urged the civic administration to revise the allowance, arguing that the existing amount was insufficient to meet rising meal costs. While they had sought a monthly food allowance of ₹4,150, the PMC prepared a proposal to increase the DBT to ₹3,200 in line with the Maharashtra government's Social Justice and Special Assistance Department resolution issued on December 26, 2024. The proposal was approved during the General Body meeting.
PMC has earmarked ₹1.5 crore for the Social Development Department in its budget. Based on the current student strength, the revised allowance is expected to cost around ₹5 lakh every month and about ₹40.19 lakh annually.
The increase comes as part of a series of improvements initiated at the hostel following serious concerns over living conditions. Students had earlier complained about inadequate facilities, poor maintenance and a growing mosquito menace. The issue gained attention after two hostel residents died due to dengue, triggering widespread criticism of the civic administration.
Following the incident, the families of the two deceased students were each granted ₹10 lakh as financial assistance. PMC also initiated measures to improve sanitation, healthcare facilities and overall maintenance at the hostel.
The revision of the food allowance is expected to provide additional financial relief to students while supporting ongoing efforts to improve hostel conditions.
