Probe ordered into functioning of government girls' hostels

Upa Lokayukta has directed Superintendent of Police (Lokayukta), Ramanagar, to probe the functioning of government girls’ hostels in the district.

Justice Subhash B Adi had visited a hostel based on a complaint that it was poorly maintained and inmates were being harassed.

The complaint stated that District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Taluk Social Welfare Officer (TSWO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ramanagar Zilla Panchayat were into serious irregularities and contract of supplying vegetables was awarded to persons of their choice. The complaint had also stated that DSWO and TSWO visit the hostel at odd hours and conduct themselves in an objectionable way. Justice Adi visited the hostel in February along with Ramanagar DC and other senior officials and allowed the inmates to submit their complaints.  

The inmates said they are not getting proper food, there is only one permanent cook while the temporary staff have not been paid the wages for 14 months. “What I noticed during the inspection is that, there is a lack of co-ordination and improper supply of food items, including vegetables to the hostel. There are about 135 girls housed in eight rooms and it appears that 10-15 girls are occupying a small room. These girls belonging to scheduled caste and tribe come from poor backgrounds and have no means to pursue their studies. The hostel is exclusively meant for post-matric girl students. As per the policy, the government is required to provide adequate facilities for the students to enable them to focus on their studies,” Justice Adi said.

The food chart shows several food items, such as egg and banana. “Neither proper breakfast nor proper dinner is supplied in the hostel. Since there is only one cook, when she is on leave students are forced to either eat outside or cook for themselves. There should be proper sanitary care, water facilities and security. Some girls have also given written representation about their grievance.

Since one hostel was inspected and same fate could be at other hostels in the district, Lokayukta SP Ramanagar has been directed to inspect and hold inquiries into the affairs of the government hostels, mainly meant for SC, ST and backward class community,” Justice Adi said.
DH News Service