Telangana government plans integrated hostel management software as food poisoning cases persist

With food poisoning cases rising in State run hostels and committees failing to curb the problem, the Telangana government is planning integrated software for hostel management. Senior officials have outlined key parameters, and developers have begun work on the proposed system.

Hyderabad: With task force committees and institution level committees failing to yield the desired results in curbing food poisoning cases in State run schools and hostels, the State government is planning to develop special software for hostel management across all welfare departments.

Under criticism from various sections over the rising number of food poisoning incidents in residential schools and hostels, the government had constituted these committees last year to address the issue. The committees were assigned to monitor food preparation, prevent contamination and control food borne illnesses. They were directed to investigate food safety incidents reported in their respective institutions, identify causes and submit reports to the government.

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However, cases of students falling sick after consuming food in hostels continue to be reported from several institutions across the State. There are allegations that many schools and hostels have not formed the mandated committees, and in places where they were constituted, they are not functioning properly.

Concerned over the steady rise in cases, the government is now moving towards developing integrated software for streamlined hostel management across all welfare departments.

Senior officials from BC Welfare, Minorities Welfare and other departments recently held a meeting and discussed key issues. They identified common areas in hostel management and outlined parameters required for the proposed software.

The officials said the system should prioritise core functions, including management of student welfare, hostel facilities, food provisioning, medical emergencies, inspections and report submission.

Software developers have been given clear guidelines on the parameters to be included in the integrated system. While no deadline has been fixed for its rollout, officials said efforts are underway to introduce it at the earliest.