Hostel Workers Association seeks CID probe into food poisoning incidents at Dandoti, Karajagi residential schools in Kalaburagi

The Karnataka State Government Hostel and Residential Schools Contract Workers’ Association has demanded an inquiry by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into the incidents of students falling ill after consuming food at Morarji Desai Residential Schools in Dandoti in Chittapur taluk and Karajagi in Afzalpur taluk in Kalaburagi district, alleging that attempts were being made to shield officials responsible for lapses.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, the association State president Bheemshetty Yempalli alleged that suspending only principals, wardens and kitchen staff in connection with the incidents amounted to an attempt to close the case without identifying the actual reasons behind the food-related incidents.

He urged the government to order a CID probe to bring out the facts and take strict disciplinary action against officials found responsible for negligence. Such steps were necessary to prevent similar incidents in residential schools in the future, he said.

The union leader said an indefinite protest would be launched in front of the Kalaburagi Zilla Panchayat office from August 11 to press for their demands.

Alleging serious irregularities in the administration of residential schools, Mr. Yempalli said delays in student admission processes, alleged irregularities in outsourcing and complaints of corruption had affected the functioning of the government-run residential hostels.

He alleged that administrative failures and corruption were being given priority over the educational interests and welfare of students.

He also alleged violations of rules in the outsourcing tender processes of the Department of Minority Welfare and the Department of Social Welfare and demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged irregularities.

Referring specifically to the appointment of kitchen staff at the Karajagi Morarji Desai Residential School, he alleged irregularities in the recruitment process and said a CID probe was essential to establish the facts behind the food-related incidents at the Dandoti and Karajagi residential schools.