Bhopal: Most of the SC/ST hostels in the state are running sans library, computer labs, water coolers and other basic amenities. The government has failed to meet even the basic necessities of their inmates who have come from all across the state to make their future. There are 640 pre-metric and post-metric hostels in the state in which over 20,000 SC/ST students are residing and pursuing their studies, though in miserable condition.
The ailing hostels, run by SC/ST welfare department, have utterly failed to provide these students a strong footing to launch their future. The hostellers have approached department officials multiple times apprising them about the pathetic conditions prevailing in their hostel but none paid any heed.
The students are even struggling for basic amenities like water cooler, adequate number of beds and fans; facilities like library and computer lab are luxury, which a very few enjoy. The students interested in sports do not get any kits and their hope to make name in this field are being dashed. The students are also been given less than Rs 5000 per month to run the mess.
The problem for the hostellers aggravated following an administrative decision to run the mess for only ten months. The students are still appearing in their exams but have no food as the mess have been closed. The students had taken up the matter to PS Bandopadhyaya on May 1 but the problem is yet to be resolved.
The SC/ST welfare department commissioner Deepali Rastogi said, “I am not aware of the issue because I haven’t received any complaint in writing.” However, she assured to look into the matter if students approaches her. The national vice-president of student wing of Bheem Sena, Toran Singh Ahirwar told Free Press that they were deplored to see the wretched conditions in which the students are being forced to live.
“We have visited hostels in all the districts and found lack of amenities in them. The students are facing multiple problems,” he added. We have met principal secretary of the department, commissioner, chief minister and apprised them of the problems of the students but no action has been taken so far, rued Ahirwar.
