Ashram schools ignore menu, students suffer due to negligence

Telangana: In a scathing allegation, Telangana SC, ST, BC Minority Students’ Youth Association State President Gavvala Srikanth has demanded immediate action against officials and staff of ashram schools and hostels who are allegedly endangering tribal students’ welfare by not following prescribed meal menus and neglecting basic responsibilities.*

Officials accused of ignoring government-issued menu

During an inspection of the Mallapur Ashram Tribal Boys School in Dasturabad mandal, Nirmal district, Gavvala Srikanth revealed that since the beginning of the academic year, the school had failed to follow the mandated menu even once. “Students are not receiving the promised meals—no eggs, no vegetables, not even basic items like puris or idlis,” Srikanth said. Even the once-a-week chicken meal, which is supposed to be served on Sundays, is irregular and uncertain.

Lax attendance and absenteeism among staff

Srikanth alleged that some employees are treating their roles casually, showing up late and leaving early. “Staff are commuting from far-off places like Adilabad and Nirmal, arriving at 11 am and leaving by 3 pm without fulfilling their responsibilities,” he alleged.
Furthermore, regular workers allegedly outsource their duties to part-time helpers while pocketing a portion of the salaries.

Student safety at stake

On July 20, two students left the school premises on motorbikes without permission and met with a serious accident. “There was no intervention, no warning, and no timely medical assistance. Had the situation been worse, who would take responsibility?” Srikanth asked, attributing the incident to the negligence of school authorities.

Allegations of collusion and lack of oversight

According to Srikanth, higher officials, including ITDA PO, have failed to respond to repeated calls and messages, indicating a deeper issue of indifference. He questioned whether such negligence could be occurring without the knowledge of senior authorities. “This looks like systematic failure, not isolated misconduct,” he said, urging the Tribal Welfare Department to intervene immediately.

Menu for students, but special meals for staff

Srikanth pointed out that while students are denied proper meals, some staff are allegedly receiving special food. “Why are staff being pampered while students suffer from malnutrition and neglect?” he questioned.

Fake compliance, manipulated inspections

Srikanth alleged that whenever inspections are announced, special meals are temporarily arranged, photos are taken, and officials leave without learning the truth. “These staged visits are fooling both the public and the government,” he claimed.

Demand for surprise inspections and accountability

Srikanth has urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the Commissioner of Tribal Welfare, the District Collector, and other senior officials to conduct unannounced inspections. He has called for the strict enforcement of meal menus and a public record of adherence to be maintained and reviewed. “Only surprise checks can reveal the truth and save tribal students from further harm,” Srikanth asserted.