NGO plans to move HC over ashramshalas' plight

AMRAVATI: The snake bite incident in Gondia ashramshala has exposed the sorry state of affairs in the ashramshalas of state. The condition at Amravati ashramshalas is no different. Students are forced to live in pathetic conditions. The hostels are bereft of pure drinking water and proper toilets.
Considering government's failure to improve conditions at ashramshalas, NGO Apeksha Homeo Society is all set file a public interest litigation (PIL) in high court seeking justice for the tribal students.
Three students had died of snake bite in Makardhokda ashramshala in Gondia district. The condition in Melghat ashramshalas are even worse. TOI had highlighted the sorry state of affairs in Melghat ashramshalas on July 21. And the study conducted by Apeksha Homeo Society substantiated TOI reports that students were made to sleep on the floor, had not proper toilet facility, no security arrangements etc.
"We gave our report to all top officials in tribal development department but to no avail. Now, we have decided to file a PIL in the high court," said Dr Madhukar Gumbale, president of Apeksha. Gumbale said, "Improper electrification at many schools is putting the lives of students at risk. The government appears to be in slumber."
Bandya Sane of NGO Khoj said, "Students have lost life due to snake bite and fever in last couple of years. The administration has failed to conduct regular medical check up of the students. Most of the ashramshalas are owned by politicians and the officials are scared to take action against them. There are hardly any students who have managed to pursue higher education. Most schools are short staffed and none of the schools have woman teacher to take care of the girl students."
Additional tribal commissioner Varvantkar refused to make any comment on the issue.