*Caste bias has crippled welfare hostels; 900 students fall ill*

Tadepalli, Feb 16: YSRCP SC Cell President and former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu criticised Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government of crippling welfare hostels through caste bias and neglect toward BC, SC, ST and minority communities. Speaking at the YSRCP central office, he said that since the coalition came to power, more than 900 students in social welfare hostels across the state have fallen ill and been hospitalised due to poor accommodation and substandard food. Citing a national human rights forum, he said this number is higher than similar cases reported nationwide over a three-year period since 2019. He termed this a clear reflection of the government’s failure and Education Minister Nara Lokesh’s negligence.
Sudhakar Babu criticised the government for spending on high-profile visits while ignoring students’ welfare, questioning whether the funds spent on Bill Gates’ visit could not be used to improve hostels and demanding full disclosure of those expenses. He said the government may showcase Amaravati graphics to visitors but cannot hide the reality of worm-infested food, unhygienic kitchens, weed-filled premises and mosquito- and rodent-infested hostel rooms. He questioned whether the same food served to poor students would ever be served in the Chief Minister’s own home.
He said that under the previous YSRCP government, students received nutritious meals through the Gorumudda programme with daily menus, but the present government has dismantled it, which he called a sign of caste discrimination against backward communities. He questioned how a government that borrowed around Rs. 3.27 lakh crore in less than two years still fails to provide quality food from Anganwadi children to degree students. Referring to a recent suicide of a Class 6 student at Singarayakonda Navodaya in Prakasam district, he alleged the government showed no concern and demanded answers to the families of the 900 affected students. He also accused Lokesh of travelling domestically and abroad on special flights and attending cricket matches while students suffered.

He demanded the immediate revival of the Gorumudda nutrition scheme and clearance of nearly Rs. 8,000 crore in pending fee reimbursement dues, alleging that the government announced a Rs. 1,200 crore order only to avoid questioning in the Assembly while colleges are pressuring students by withholding hall tickets. He urged immediate payment of all dues. Sudhakar Babu also said that while the world honours Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the state government is neglecting the Ambedkar Smruti Vanam with even basic maintenance like watering plants ignored, and he called for its proper restoration and upkeep.