A government post-matric hostel for Scheduled Tribe students in Challakere came under scrutiny after students reported worms in their food and alleged that kitchen staff consumed gutka and pan masala while on duty, according to a report by Prajavani.
Additional Civil Judge K.S. Sangamitra raised concerns over the hostel’s management during a visit and warned staff not to neglect students’ health. The inspection took place as part of a legal-awareness programme focused on child protection, protection from sexual offences against children and legal assistance for victims of substance abuse.
During the visit, the judge interacted with the students and sought information about food quality, cleanliness and the hostel’s basic infrastructure. Students reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the meals being served and brought their problems to her attention.
After hearing the complaints, Sangamitra questioned the hostel warden and kitchen staff about the reported lapses. She asked why shortcomings persisted despite government spending on students’ education and accommodation. She also questioned whether staff would serve similar food to children in their own homes, using the example to underline their responsibility towards hostel residents.
The judge further asked why the warden had not brought problems involving the kitchen staff and hostel operations to the attention of senior officials. She instructed the staff to prioritise cleanliness, discipline and food quality, and said that negligence affecting students’ health would not be acceptable.
The inspection places the focus on the administrative chain responsible for residential welfare facilities: kitchen workers, the hostel warden and higher officials who are expected to respond when students report unsafe food or poor living conditions. The report does not specify whether food samples were collected, whether disciplinary action was initiated or whether any medical assessment of the students was ordered.
Sangamitra also advised students to report problems at hostels without fear to the relevant authorities or the judiciary. They were informed that telephone numbers of the advocates’ association had been provided to help them communicate their grievances and seek legal assistance.
Legal aid defender Geetanjali and panel advocates Shilpa D. and Srinivas were present during the programme and inspection. The report did not provide details of any subsequent written direction, inspection report or deadline for corrective action by the hostel administration.
