Date:11/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/11/stories/2004091104340300.htm

Karnataka - Bellary

Govt. hostels in Bellary in sorry state

By Our Staff Correspondent

BELLARY, SEPT. 10. Large-scale irregularities have been detected in many of the hostels run by the Department of Social Welfare and the Department of Backward Class and Minorities in Bellary district.

G. Umesh, president of the zilla panchayat, who visited the Pre-Matric Hostel for Boys in Bellary, among others, said he was shocked at the state of affairs. He visited the hostel with Gadiganur Halappa and Thimmareddy, members of the zilla panchayat.

Tender violations

The agency that got the tender to supply groceries has entrusted the job to another agency. According to the rules, vegetables have to be procured from the Horticultural Produce and Cooperative Marketing Society (HOPCOMS). But since there is no HOPCOMS in the district, vegetables are bought from vendors. There is no quality or quantity assurance for the groceries and vegetables supplied. The hostellers complained about the quality of food and said that the cooks refused to serve a second helping.

Records

Proper records were not maintained, especially with regard to stock and marking of the attendance register. The attendance register maintained by the warden showed that all the students were present even though many students had gone on leave. Around 30 out of the total 175 students at the hostel were on leave, while accounts showed that food was being cooked for all the 175 students. Eggs and bananas were also purchased for the 175 students. The quantity of groceries supplied to the hostel was less. The taluk Social Welfare Officer, who was also present, repeatedly asked the warden to maintain proper records.

"This is the state of affairs in all the hostels in Hagari Bommanahalli, Hadagali, Kudligi, and Gudekota. There was prima facie evidence of large-scale misappropriation at various levels," Mr. Umesh said.

The hostellers complained that a few "unauthorised" persons came regularly to the hostel, had food, and harassed them to wash their clothes. A police point book had been kept on the hostel premises following complaints, but no policeman on night beat had affixed his signature on it.

He said that around 25 inmates of a girls' hostel at Hadagali had remained absent for several days without permission. He said that he was surprised to note that there were no records to account for their absenteeism such as letters from parents or guardians, or from the students themselves.

Recommendation

Mr. Umesh said that he would recommend to the Government to initiate action against the erring officials soon. "The Government has been earmarking crores of rupees for the education and uplift of children of the Dalits and other backward classes. But it is hardly serving the purpose. I will take up the matter very seriously and recommend an investigation. The issue will be discussed at the general body meeting and action will be initiated against all the erring officials," he said.