Kothagudem: DSFI demands probe into food poisoning cases in Gurukuls

The Democratic Students Federation staged a protest in Kothagudem demanding a probe into food poisoning cases in Gurukuls. The DSFI also called for immediate release of pending scholarships, filling of teacher posts, and greater budget allocation to the education sector

Kothagudem: The Democratic Students Federation (DSFI) demanded an inquiry into food poisoning incidents taking place in Gurukuls across the State.

A large number of students and activists of the DSFI Kothagudem district committee took out a protest rally to the district collectorate here on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, DSFI national convener Dr Vivek wanted the Congress government to take immediate steps to prevent student deaths in Gurukuls due to food poisoning.

---

He called for the release of pending scholarships and fee reimbursement dues worth Rs 8600 crore. Several private college managements were facing serious financial difficulties, and many of them were being closed as the scholarships and reimbursement dues were pending for a long time.

Dr Vivek demanded that pending diet bills be released within five months. He said steps should be taken to fill up MEO and DEO posts in the State along with 20,000 vacant teacher posts. It was sad that there was no dedicated minister to look after education, and an Education Minister should be appointed without delay, he said.

As many Gurukuls were being run in rented buildings, he said permanent buildings must be constructed. The mid-day meal scheme should be extended to intermediate students, and pending mid-day meal bills in government schools should also be released. He also demanded that 30 per cent of the funds in the State budget be allocated to the education sector.

DSFI state leaders B Veerabhadram, K Saikumar, M Shantha Kumar, G Surya Prakash and others were present.