RS Praveen Kumar alleges neglect of welfare hostels after two years of Congress rule

BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar alleged that welfare hostels and residential schools have been neglected under the Congress, citing deaths and abuse, and credited former CM K Chandrashekhar Rao’s Rs 8,000 crore push for residential schools while urging accountability

Hyderabad: Highlighting a string of tragic incidents reported in welfare hostels and residential schools in the State during the past two years of Congress rule, BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar on Saturday alleged that residential institutions, which were promoted and nurtured so well and so long by former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, were now found in a neglected condition.

Addressing a gathering of local supporters at a corner meeting in the Shaikpet division of the Jubilee Hills constituency, he painted a stark contrast between Chandrashekhar Rao’s genuine concern for the poor and the current administration’s scant regard for vulnerable children. Crediting the BRS president with a transformative initiative that ensured equal opportunities in the education sector for children from marginalised sections, he said when a representation was made stressing the need for more residential schools in the State, Chandrashekhar Rao had responded promptly and, in a sweeping policy move, disbursed Rs 8,000 crore in one stroke to establish over 1,000 residential schools dedicated to students from underprivileged backgrounds.

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“The decision was intended to enable them to avail opportunities on an equal footing with people from well-off sections,” he emphasised, adding that under the BRS regime thousands of these students accessed quality education, with many rising to prominent positions in key sectors. However, Kumar lamented that the current status of these institutions was “disappointing,” pointing to a “worsening state of affairs” that has led to over 110 deaths among students in welfare hostels. He cited the heartbreaking case of Srivarshita, a student who confronted her school’s principal over the alleged pilfering of rice meant for the hostel mess. “She was chided and humiliated, forcing her to commit suicide,” Kumar said.

He also alleged abuse of students by a principal at a juvenile home in the city. “The Chief Minister has shown scant regard for the students of the welfare hostels,” he charged, urging the crowd to hold the Congress