Contractors who supply the food items to the hostels deduct their commission (30 percent) out of the funds given by the department and provide sub-standard raw materials to make up for it.
“Raw materials for preparing the food like the puliyogare mix, turmeric, tamarind, cooking oil and ragi, supplied by the contractor are sub-standard,” said Yashoda, the warden of the hostel at Begli Hosalli in the taluk.
Yashoda’s version also throws light on the conditions bordering on inhuman at the hostel and the lack of basic amenities. “Wardens have to literally beg before the contractors for supply of necessary items,” she says.
Claiming that she was in an helpless situation, the warden says, “Vegetables, cooking gas, eggs and bananas were not supplied in January. There is a cut of 30 per cent in the other items that were supplied.”
“Wardens are empowered to issue notices to contractors flouting the rules and not supplying the essentials. They can also provide bill for the money spent for the hostels and get the refund. But none of the wardens are exercising the powers,” said a department official. The official also sees a clear nexus between the wardens and the contractors in many cases.
In the present case of Begli Hosalli, Yashoda may be suspended for not giving a satisfactory answer and for making a derogatory statement about dalit children.
The social welfare department is even mulling over recommending her dismissal. Official sources told Deccan Herald that the matter had been brought to the notice
of the department commissioner.
‘Contractors’ mafia’ at work
In what could be termed as an unprecedented event, police protection has been provided to the Social Welfare Office in view of ‘threat from contractors.’
It is said that a few hostel wardens have lodged a written complaint to Social Welfare Officer alleging that contractors retain 30 per cent of their supplies to hostels. District in-charge minister A Narayanaswamy had bestowed the appellation of “ghost-haunted bungalows” to hostels, during his recent visit, and the turn of events has only confirmed his perception. Police protection has now become inevitable for officers who go by the book, a development which the authorities need to consider seriously.
Hell on earth
At SC student hostel in egli Hosalli:
* The roof leaks, despite being a new building
* Tubelights malfunction due to faulty wiring
* Shortage of water has meant that students live in unhygienic conditions
* Students not given soap and hair oil for four months now