Apathy mars hostel in Subramanya

A post-matric hostel in Subramanya is not only overcrowded but also lacks security for the inmates of the hostel. 

There are 50 students who reside in the hostel to pursue their studies. However, there is lack of rooms. A compound wall of the hostel had collapsed owing to lack of maintenance. 

Owing to lack of rooms, students find it difficult to study. “We are herded like cattle, owing to lack of rooms,” said an inmate of the hostel. The hostel has one hall, TV room, store room, kitchen and a office room. There are no additional rooms. There are five bathrooms and four toilets. There is a need for a compound wall keeping in mind the safety of the students, said parents.

The hostel is managed by the department of backward classes. A solar water heater which was installed a few years ago has become defunct. The hostel has to depend on panchayat water supply. Though a well is situated in the premises, water has been polluted. As a result, the hostel authorities can not make use of the water from the well in case of emergency. 

The students have no complaints on food as they are supplied with eggs and non vegetarian food once in a week. The hostel warden is also in charge of two other hostels at Guthigaru and Subramanya. 

Backward classes welfare department extension officer Balachandra K said “the government has sanctioned Rs seven lakh to provide facilities in post matric hostels.

 However, the funds are not sufficient to take up development work in hostels. There is lack of funds to take up development work. We have sought additional funds from the ZP. By mobilising the resources, compound wall and other basic facilities will be provided to the hostel on priority basis.”