The superintendent of a government tribal boys’ ashram in Bokrata, in Madhya Pradesh’s Pati block, has been removed from his post after a district inquiry examined complaints about prescribed meals, water shortages and alleged obstruction of officials.
Vinod Arya, who was in charge of the ashram, has been relieved of his charge and sent back to his parent institution, Government Middle School in Kalakhet, where he holds the substantive post of primary teacher. Vijay Khanna has been appointed as the new superintendent, according to the Tribal Affairs Department’s action reported by the Times of India.
The inquiry followed an incident in which a student allegedly fled the ashram on September 19 and was later injured in an accident. A team led by the Block Education Officer visited the hostel the next day to examine the circumstances and complaints about conditions at the residential facility.
Students reportedly told the inquiry team that meals were not being served according to the prescribed menu. They alleged that only around half the students received evening snacks, while others were given packaged products, including Kurkure, chips and biscuits. The students further alleged that the cost of these items was recovered from their parents.
The inquiry also examined complaints about water availability. Students reportedly said the ashram had faced inadequate water supply for nearly a month. According to the report, they claimed they were forced to defecate outdoors and went several days without bathing. The complaints raise concerns about basic sanitation and the monitoring of residential facilities for tribal students.
The inquiry report also alleged that Arya’s wife, daughter and brother were present without authorisation during the proceedings and obstructed the inquiry. They were accused of using abusive language against officials. A police case has been registered against Arya and the three family members on the complaint of Panwar, an official identified in the report.
The departmental action changes the leadership of the ashram but does not, by itself, establish the final outcome of the police case or any further disciplinary proceedings. The immediate administrative step is the appointment of Khanna as superintendent, while the complaints recorded during the inquiry remain the basis for the reported action.
