172 students at a Social Welfare Department residential school in Hassan reportedly face inadequate living, learning and sanitation facilities
As many as 172 students at Dr B.R. Ambedkar Residential School in Shantigrama are reportedly living and studying in an inadequate building, raising concerns over sanitation and safety.
Hassan: As many as 172 children studying at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Residential School under the Social Welfare Department in Shantigrama, Hassan district, have allegedly been living in a building resembling a cattle shed for the past five years.
The students, studying from Class 6 to Class 10, include 92 boys and 80 girls. According to the allegations, the building lacks adequate facilities, forcing students to eat, sleep and attend classes in the same premises. Some students reportedly have to sit on the floor during lessons.
Only five toilets for 92 boys in Hassan Ambedkar Residential School
The residential school reportedly has only five toilets for 92 boys, while the girls are also said to lack adequate sanitation and other basic infrastructure.
The building is reportedly poorly ventilated and lacks sufficient natural light, raising concerns about the conditions in which the children are living and studying.
It is also learnt that ₹1.08 lakh per month is being paid as rent for the premises where the children are staying.
The school principal and staff reportedly said the arrangement has continued because a new building is under construction and no suitable alternative accommodation is currently available.
Public demands immediate action at Hassan Ambedkar Residential School
The reported conditions have triggered public outrage, with concerns raised over the Social Welfare Department's handling of accommodation and basic facilities for the residential school students.
Members of the public have demanded that the children be immediately shifted to a safe and suitable facility until the new school building is ready.
The allegations have also raised questions about the availability of adequate sanitation, ventilation, classroom space and residential facilities for students studying in government-run residential schools.
