Naidu orders strict monitoring of SC, ST and BC hostels, warns of action for even minor lapses

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to treat the inspection of SC, ST and BC hostels as a core responsibility, warning that even minor lapses in sanitation, drinking water or student safety will invite strict action.

At a review meeting on Tuesday, the Chief Minister examined conditions in welfare hostels and residential schools and issued a series of firm directives to improve living standards.

Mr. Naidu underscored the need to maintain complete sanitation and hygiene in all hostels across the State, stating that incidents reported in recent weeks should not recur. Any negligence or dereliction of duty, he cautioned, would not be tolerated. To expedite improvements, he approved the immediate release of ₹40 crore for constructing toilets in the remaining 20% of hostels where the work is yet to be completed.

He ordered that no hostel should function without proper sanitation facilities and RO water plants. Hostels and residential schools lacking RO systems were instructed to install them on priority. The Chief Minister also directed the Health Department to conduct regular medical check-ups and collect blood samples from all 4.17 lakh hostel students to detect health issues early and ensure timely treatment.

Stressing accountability, Mr. Naidu mandated the establishment of a joint command control room for all welfare departments and the introduction of digital health records for every student. Officials were instructed to collect water samples from every hostel to check for contamination and ensure safe drinking water.

Highlighting the importance of emotional well-being, the Chief Minister directed that professional counselling be arranged in all hostels, with male counsellors assigned to boys’ hostels and female counsellors to girls’ hostels. He asked the Panchayat Raj, Municipal Administration, Health and Welfare Departments to coordinate efforts to guarantee continuous supply of safe drinking water, particularly in hostels in agency areas.

Ministers Dola Bala Veeranjaneyaswamy, Gummadi Sandhyarani and senior officials from various departments participated in the review meeting.