- Playing with Students’ Lives – Officials Turn a Blind Eye
- Expired Food, Ignored Menus, and Negligence at Kemisila Tribal Welfare Ashram School
- Reporter TV journalist brings serious hostel issues to the attention of District Collector N. Prabhakar Reddy
Parvathipuram Manyam District, Andhra Pradesh – Shocking negligence in the Kemisila Tribal Welfare Ashram Boys Hostel has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of tribal students. From expired food to improper meal menus, the institution appears to be putting young lives at risk with little to no accountability from responsible officials.
The hostel, located in Komarada Mandal, houses 71 students from 3rd to 8th grade. However, during a surprise visit by a Reporter TV journalist on Friday during lunch hours, only 17 students were present. When questioned, the welfare officer responded rudely, even asking the journalist, “Who are you to question us?”
Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that the standard menu is not being followed. Students, speaking hesitantly and often only through gestures due to fear, revealed that eggs are served only once a week on Sundays and milk is not provided at all. This blatant disregard for basic nutritional needs is only the tip of the iceberg.
Expired Food and Dangerous Conditions
During the visit, several food items such as spoiled rice flour, jaggery chips, black gram, and peas infested with insects were found drying out in the open. These expired and contaminated ingredients are being used to prepare meals for the children, raising serious concerns about their health and safety.
When confronted, the hostel in-charge deflected responsibility, claiming that such items were supplied by the tribal cooperative society. This raises a critical question — is the government itself endangering these children’s lives, or are local hostel staff tarnishing the state’s reputation through their gross negligence?
Systemic Negligence and Intimidation
Locals report that any attempt to complain to higher officials results in pressure being applied on students to lie during inspections. Food items are swapped with better alternatives only during official visits to create a false impression. It has become routine to mislead authorities and silence dissenting voices.
Even journalists who try to expose these issues are reportedly threatened. The local warden and headmaster appear to be operating without fear of consequences, as no disciplinary action has been taken against them despite repeated violations.
Health Hazards and Suspected Deaths
There have been instances of students falling seriously ill, and in some cases even dying under suspicious circumstances. These events point toward the use of unsafe food and the lack of medical attention.
Expired and contaminated food can be fatal, and according to Indian law, those responsible may be held accountable under several sections, including:
IPC Sections: 272, 273 (adulteration of food), 337, 338 (causing hurt by negligence), 304A (causing death by negligence)
FSSAI Sections: 26, 59
Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 (Section 75): For cruelty towards children — up to 3 years imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine
The question remains — will the warden continue to play with innocent tribal children’s lives, or will the law finally catch up?
Officials Must Take Responsibility
The lack of regular monitoring and accountability from higher authorities has turned what should be a safe haven into a place of suffering. The inaction is turning the hostel into a curse rather than a place of learning and care.
Collector Promises Action
The issue was brought to the attention of District Collector N. Prabhakar Reddy during his visit to Kurupam on Friday. The Reporter TV journalist submitted photographic and video evidence showing the dire state of the hostel. The collector acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and assured that action would be taken soon.
Conclusion:
The plight of these tribal children highlights a grim reality — systemic neglect, administrative apathy, and lack of compassion. As demands grow for accountability, it remains to be seen whether swift and strict action will be taken, or if this will be yet another case of promises with no follow-through. One thing is clear: the lives of innocent children must not be gambled with any longer.
