BC hostellers cry foul over apathy

Mantralayam (Kurnool): Hostels, whether it is for the students of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Backward Classes (BCs) or for the poorest of the poor are not being maintained properly in the town. Most of the students, who are unable to struggle with the problems in the hostels are putting an end to their studies and turning into bonded labourers.

The hostels which are supposed to provide all facilities are in a state of neglect. The wardens of the hostels are least bothered about the welfare of the students. One such hostel for the BCs is in Mantralayam town. As many as 250 students are staying in the BC Hostel and pursuing education in various classes.

They were not being supplied with sufficient number of blankets and are shivering in the cold breeze in the absence of window panes. Even the stone slab flooring has also broken in all rooms with which several poisonous insects are coming out of the ground. The 2009 flood has almost devastated the hostel. Since then, no renovation works have been initiated by the government.

A police constable, Jayanna, who is working at Mantralayam police station has sponsored a cement bag and three tractors of sand with which the students by becoming mason are repairing the broken stone tiles. Speaking to The Hans India here on Wednesday, a student of the hostel said that one of his roommates was bitten by a scorpion. No one was there to help or to take him to hospital as it was midnight, he added.  However, he said that they gathered courage and rushed him to a local RMP. Even the warden was not available, he lamented. 

He said that the warden comes once in a month, but marks his presence in the attendance register for the entire month. The other students also said that they were not even supplied with text books as the year is going to end. They urged the government to take up renovation works and construct compound wall to protect them from the attacks of stray animals.

The students said that, earlier, around 280 students used to stay in the hostel. But now, only 140 students are staying as there were no proper facilities. Moreover, the students are frequently suffering from viral fevers with the mosquito bites. When reporter tried to contact the warden of Mantralayam BC Hostel over phone to seek his clarification, his mobile was switched off. 

By Mahesh Goud