Agartala, October 1: Tripura SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das on Wednesday conducted a surprise inspection of two hostels at Jagannath Bari and directed officials to address complaints raised by students regarding drinking water, food quality and other facilities.
Das inspected the Dr B R Ambedkar Memorial Hostel and the SC Girls’ Hostel to assess the facilities available to residents and ascertain whether government-provided amenities were being properly maintained and utilised.
During the visit, the minister checked the number of students staying in the hostels against the sanctioned capacity and reviewed the availability of various facilities provided by the government.
He also inspected computers and an open-air gymnasium installed at the hostels and sought information about their maintenance and usage.
Interacting with students, Das heard complaints concerning the quality of food being served and the services provided by trainers engaged for special programmes.
The minister said the grievances had been recorded and assured the students that appropriate measures would be taken to address the issues.
A major concern raised during the inspection related to the quality of drinking water, with students reporting high iron content.
Das said an iron-removal unit had already been installed by the Public Health Engineering Department but questioned why the problem continued despite the facility being available.
He directed the concerned Sub-Divisional Officer and engineers to inspect the water supply arrangements and take immediate corrective measures.
Das also said a departmental officer would visit the hostel within two days to assess the situation and take steps to resolve the drinking water problem.
The minister said food quality had been a recurring concern at the hostel and acknowledged that action had been taken against staff following earlier complaints.
Some workers had been replaced and new personnel engaged, he said.
Das also referred to allegations of misconduct involving certain kitchen staff following disputes with students. The workers had admitted their mistakes and were subsequently transferred to other hostels, according to the minister.
“If someone accepts their fault and shows remorse, they should be given a chance to improve. But if irregularities occur again, strict action will follow,” Das said.
The minister said the SC Welfare Department was committed to ensuring that students staying in government hostels received a safe, healthy and supportive environment.
He stressed that proper infrastructure alone was not sufficient and that the quality of services provided to hostel residents also needed regular monitoring.
Das said shortcomings identified during the inspection would be followed up and corrective steps taken to ensure that students received the facilities and services intended for them.
