Kalaburagi, 19 June

Life for underprivileged SC/ST students has turned into a nightmare as the food served in a State government-run hostel in Kalaburagi regularly contains worms, cockroaches, gutkha packets, and even cigarette papers.

The Babu Jagjivan Ram Boys’ Hostel Complex for SC/ST students, run by the Social Welfare Department, is in a State of appalling neglect.

Located on Rajapur Road, the hostel comprises six units. While the entrance may look modern, the interiors tell a grim tale: drain water from overhead pipes floods the floors, broken windows allow entry to flies and mosquitoes, and a foul stench hangs in the air.

Students allege the water used for cooking comes from toilet pipelines, and pest-infested vegetables are regularly used. They further claim that kitchen staff often work under the influence of alcohol, gutkha, and tobacco. Complaints have fallen on deaf ears, with warden Sanjukumar allegedly taking no action.

“There is no clean drinking water. When we demand cleanliness, staff deny responsibility,” said SFI District Secretary Sujata V. “Taluk-level officers haven’t visited in three years, giving wardens unchecked power.”

Students, fearful of backlash, spoke anonymously: “We live in unhygienic, unsafe conditions. Flies, mosquitoes, gutkha spit, sewage water and garbage plague the campus.”

Another student who is in final year of their degree told to Salar News that the hostel lacks safety. “Outsider frequently enter the hostel premises. There is no proper safety system in place," the student said.

Despite multiple complaints by students including Darshan, Rayappa, Syed, Karan, and Amith, no remedial action has been taken.

However, when questioned by Salar News, Joint Director of the Social Welfare Department, Preeti Chandrashekar Doddmani, promised to inspect the facility and take necessary action.