Hyderabad: Welfare Minister Adluri Lakshman Kumar has directed officials to give top priority to the safety, health and nutrition of students in welfare hostels. He said there could be no compromise on the quality of food served to students.
The Minister called for a robust and continuous monitoring system to ensure strict implementation of prescribed diet norms. He also stressed the overall well-being of students in residential educational institutions and Ashram schools.
Adluri issued the directions during a detailed review meeting at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat on Saturday.
He reviewed welfare hostels under the SC Development department and institutions managed by the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS).
The review also covered the Telangana Tribal Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGTWREIS), Ashram schools and hostels. Residential facilities under the department for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities were also reviewed.
The Minister directed officials to establish an effective field-level monitoring mechanism. It should verify whether facilities and services intended for students were actually reaching them.
Welfare hostels to face regular inspections
Adluri said inspections should not be limited to checking official records. Inspecting officials should interact directly with students to understand their concerns, requirements and difficulties.
He directed that welfare hostels, residential institutions and Ashram schools undergo regular inspections under the supervision of District Collectors.
Officials from the departments concerned should coordinate closely with district administrations during these inspections. The Minister said problems identified at the institutions should be addressed promptly.
Adluri reiterated the need for continuous monitoring of food quality, nutrition, safety and student welfare. He asked officials to ensure that prescribed standards and services were implemented effectively at the field level.