Upalokayukta flags lapses at two govt. girls’ hostels in Bengaluru

Upalokayukta K.N. Phaneendra, during a surprise inspection on Friday, uncovered lapses and poor living conditions at two Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Post-Matric Girls’ Hostels located at Chikkajala and Kogilu.

At the Chikkajala hostel, Mr. Phaneendra found the premises untidy and lacking basic facilities. Students did not have sufficient drinking or usable water, and no solar water or hot water supply was available. The borewell, a key water source, has reportedly remained defunct for the past three years, according to a statement released by Lokayukta. The hostel’s generator has not been operational for nearly the same duration. 

Further, several toilets were in poor condition, windows on the first floor were jammed with torn mesh, and newly added floors lacked beds and cots. The inspection also revealed missing amenities such as shoe racks, faulty switchboards, and a first-aid box filled with expired medicines. Doctors were not visiting the hostel as required. 

Second hostel

During his visit to the Kogilu girls’ hostel, the Upalokayukta observed similar conditions. The existing water filter was insufficient for students, and no facility had been provided on the upper floors. None of the geysers were functioning, and the hostel lacked access to a library and computer.

In addition, food supplies were found to be unhygienic, grains infested with insects and rotten vegetables being used for cooking. The refrigerator was not working, the water tank had not been cleaned properly, and students faced a daily shortage of food. The warden was also found to be neglecting her duties, and hygiene in the kitchen remained poor. Medicines were not provided to the hostel, and doctors were not making their routine visits.

Mr. Phaneendra directed hostel authorities to resolve the major issues within two months, calling the hostels “totally neglected”.