Non-release of fund: Hostel work fails to take off

Although the state government had sanctioned a BCM hostel at Daregudde, the work on the hostel could not begin, owing to the non-release of funds.

As a result, the students are residing in the old hostel building in a state of congestion.

The Devraj Urs Backward Classes Welfare Department had started a BCM hostel at Daregudde in 1989. Students from various parts of the district are pursuing their studies in primary and high school levels, staying in this hostel.

Initially, the number of students in the hostel was 50. Later, it fell to 35, owing to lack of space. The hostel is functioning from a rented building of the panchayat. In spite of demand this year, the admission was restricted to 35.

The hostel has a warden and two cooks. They have no place to keep their books and other personal belongings. Owing to lack of space, the students sleep on the hall as well as the in the storeroom. Without proper facilities, the students sleep on the floor.

Land for new building

It is said that the government has sanctioned a new BCM hostel building on 50 cents of land near the Daregudde High School and had approved Rs 1.87 crore for the same. Unfortunately, the grants have not been released so far.

Daregudde Gram Panchayat member Subhashchandra Chowta said a blue print for the building along with estimate has been prepared and submitted to the state government through the deputy commissioner. A delegation led by MLA Abhayachandra Jain had met Social Welfare Minister Anjaneya recently and had urged him to release the fund.