SC/ST student's Hostels in Chennai are negleted

If you ask me, my ideal would be the society based on liberty, equality and fraternity. An ideal society should be mobile and full of channels of conveying a change taking place in one part to other parts. Babasheb.Dr.B.R.Ambedkar.

Filthy boys’ hostel puts many in hospital
N Venkatesan, a first generation college student from Kallakuruchi, came to Chennai with the hope of earning a degree. Unfortunately, he is now spending more time at the hospital than in the classroom, suffering from fever and various skin diseases, thanks to the poor standards of hygiene at the Ambedkar Adi Dravidar Government Boys hostel in Rajamangalam.

Over 500 students, all first generation learners, in the same hostel have been falling ill recurrently. Consequently, many of them are unable to attend college regularly. Students blame the sub-standard hygiene and food for their health problems.

The hostel is situated in an alley near the Rajamangalam Government Veterinary Hospital. A blue statue of Dr Ambedkar welcomes you, behind which one can see students bathing near a filthy tank. Once a day, a lorry fills the tank which is contaminated with garbage. “I have lived here for three years and not once have I seen the tank being cleaned. As a result, many students have contracted skin diseases,” said Venkatesan, a third year BA English student.

There are 16 dingy rooms and 20 students share each room. A walk through the corridors of the hostel is uncomfortable due to the stench emanating from the waste food dumped in the open. There are no garbage bins in the hostel. Students are asked to dispose waste in a common area. “Last week, a snake was found in one of the rooms. In summer, it becomes even more difficult to live in this cramped space,” said M Muthu, a final year student.

“The kitchen is situated near the toilet and is very messy. We lack proper drinking water,” said Arumugam, a second year student.

“Given the poor quality of food and accommodation, the students are unable to concentrate on their studies. Their performance has started deteriorating drastically. The government must step in and resolve issues quickly,” said M Ravichandran, head of the Department of English. He added that the students had submitted a complaint regarding their problems to the principal.

When contacted, warden Jagadeesan said he had assumed charge only recently and refused to comment on the pathetic state of the hostel. Vishwanath A Shegaonkar, secretary Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, said that he would look into the matter and necessary action will be taken soon.
Source: The Times of India dt 2.10.10