Telangana state run hostels exposed: ACB uncovers unhygienic conditions, expired food
Hyderabad: Expired food, unhygienic spaces including kitchens, store rooms and wash rooms in deplorable conditions- these are scenes witnessed by the Anti Corruption Bureau(ACB), during their surprise checks across government hostels in Telangana.
In a joint operation ten ACB teams along with legal metrology officials, sanitary and food inspectors and an auditor, conducted raids on the state run hostels to check the quality and quantity of the food, sanitation conditions and records of the hostels.
During the searches, several irregularities were noticed in the hostels. Surprise checks were conducted by ACB in 10 Government Hostels across Telangana, the list included Hostel for SC Boys at Jambagh, Hyderabad District, Hostel for BC Boys at Medipally, Medchal-Malkajgiri District,Hostel for BCs Boys, Koyala konda, Mahaboob nagar Distrist. Hostel for SC Girls, Tipparthi, Nalgonda District, Hostel for ST Boys, Vemana Palli, Mancherial District, Hostel for SC Boys, Ippala palli, Rajanna Sirisilla District Hostel for SC Girls, Jangaon District, Hostel for ST Boys, Karepalli, Bhadaradri-Kothagudem District, Hostel for BC Boys, Siddipet and Hostel for SC Girls, Kothagalli, Nizamabad.
ACB searches highlight severe deficiencies in the state run hostels infrastructure and hygiene. ACB officials mention there was no sufficient lighting and ventilation in the rooms, a lack of proper drinking water and appalling conditions in kitchens, store rooms, washrooms, and toilets. The bathrooms of girl’s hostels are in deplorable condition
Furthermore, serious concerns about food quality and quantity came to light during the searches. ACB officials found expired food items are being used, the food menu is not being maintained, and the weight of commodities is significantly less than what is recorded. Further, the students were supposed to be given egg and milk every day but they were never provided. Additionally, the raids points to potential financial mismanagement, citing instances of misappropriation of funds in purchases.
The ACB officials also find lapses in administrative practices within the hostels. For instance, the student numbers were inflated and failed to maintain essential records and registers. The wardens who are supposed to be available in the hostels are not found and they come once a week or once a month, said ACB.
“Report will be sent to the government on the erring officers for taking necessary action. Recommendations will also be sent to the Government to improve the present,” said ACB in an official statement
