What makes conditions so pathetic in most hostels run by the Social Welfare Department?
Severe financial crunch, rampant corruption at all levels in the Department, acute shortage of staff, and lack of a sense of discipline among inmates - these are the reasons reeled out by wardens, inmates and some students’ organisations.
A sum of Rs 450 is spent every month on each student in the pre-matric hostels, and Rs 500 on each student in post-metric hostels. This amount will have to take care of the student’s food, accommodation, library, entertainment, electricity, water, sports, sanitation and all other facilities!
On an average, the government increases this sum by Rs 50 once every five years. This hike apparently comes only following pressure from backward class MLAs and students’ organisations.
Wardens estimate that at current rates, every student requires at least Rs 1000 to 1200 for the barest of facilities.
Ill-treatment of wardens
The alleged ill-treatment of wardens by social welfare officers seems to have worsened the situation.
“Whenever we approach higher-ups seeking an increase in funds, or requesting fulfilment of students’ demands, we are told, ‘The Department has no funds. You have to manage affairs on your own’,” lamented the warden of a hostel.
Many hostels lack full time wardens and cleaners. In many cases, one warden is forced to look after the affairs of two to three hostels. Moreover, wardens have to appoint cleaners for wages of Rs 300 per month.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department had stopped the supply of rice six years ago, and the hostels are forced to depend on the open market, where the prices are high.
Wardens, complain some students, are rarely seen in the hostels and never give a patient hearing to their problems.
Some wardens - especially those in pre-metric hostels - threaten inmates if they approach the social welfare officer seeking fulfilment of demands. The Department higher ups rarely visit the hostels, say students.