Telangana High Court sets deadline for Govt to address deficiencies in hostels, residential schools

The High Court has extended an opportunity for the state government to file an additional affidavit or compliance report regarding the facilities provided to children in government hostels and residential schools.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: A two-judge panel of the Telangana High Court has extended an opportunity for the state government to file an additional affidavit or compliance report regarding the facilities provided to children in government hostels and residential schools. The panel, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J. Sreenivas Rao, was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by K. Akhil Sri Guru Teja, which raised concerns about the deficiencies in the facilities offered to students residing in these institutions. The petitioner’s counsel, Prabhakar Chikkudu, pointed out that the state’s compliance report was inadequate, failing to address key issues such as the provision of essential items including mattresses, bed sheets, pillows, blankets, mosquito nets, and cotton towels. Chikkudu also highlighted the report’s omission of details regarding toiletries, the supply of purified RO water, and the food menu for the children, in violation of the guidelines set forth in the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2018. Further concerns were raised about the absence of psychiatric support or counsellors in the hostels and residential schools. In response, the Additional Advocate General acknowledged the need for better facilities and assured the court that necessary provisions would be made. Taking these issues into consideration, the panel directed the state government to submit a detailed compliance report by January 22, 2024, to ensure that all required facilities are provided to the children in these institutions.

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