India, Dec. 31 -- Eight months after the hostel canteen of Topiwala Medical College and Nair Hospital at Haji Ali shut down, with no resolution in sight, medical interns are at the end of their tether. Adding to their angst is the fact that their stipends too have been delayed, making alternative food outlets an expensive proposition. Hindustan Times had reported on the issue six months ago, but students say little has changed on the ground since then.

The canteen was shut on May 27 after discrepancies were flagged with the earlier contractor. While the latter has since been removed, a fresh tender is yet to be floated. Authorities have now cited the model code of conduct ahead of the BMC elections as the reason for the delay, and the ov...