Raids expose pathetic conditions in welfare hostels in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: Corruption, tampering with records and poor sanitation prevailing at the social welfare hostels in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. 

It was disclosed in surprise and random inspections made by the Vigilance and Enforcement officials of Srikakulam region recently. These hostels are meant for children from weaker sections and taking the advantage of their innocence, hostel welfare officers (HWOs) and staff are misusing the funds.

Vigilance teams conducted surprise raids at eight hostels in two districts recently at Veeragattam, Kotturu, Battili, Jalumuru, Pathapatnam in Srikakulam district; Ravivalasa, Maripivalasa and Kurupam in Vizianagaram district under the supervision of regional vigilance officer T Harikrishna.

HWOs at these hostels are showing excess attendance of students than actual on records and not taking bio-metric attendance of students to continue tampering. 

There are variations in stock and purchase registers when compared to physical stock particularly at Veeragattam a lot of variation was noticed. 
Bath rooms and toilets are unhygienic and poor sanitation forcing the girl students at Jalumuru hostel to take bath in an open ground.  

“Periodical medical checkups are not being conducted at these hostels. Students Dusi Ravi at Veeragattam and Battili Suneetha at Pathapatnam hostels are suffering from fever for the past 10 days. Uniforms are not being distributed to students at these hostels.  

We sent a report to the government for taking necessary action on the HWOs concerned”, regional vigilance officer T HariKrishna told The Hans India.