Mysore/Mysuru: Muzrai and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Kota Srinivas Poojari said that he has directed Backward Classes Welfare Department officials to undertake Student Hostel Stays at least once in a fortnight in order to personally understand the problems faced by the hostel inmates. 

He was speaking to press persons after holding a meeting with the Department officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Friday.

Pointing out that Hostel Stays will also help in maintaining transparency, Poojari said that there are 2,400 student hostels run by the Department in the State.

Noting that top officials of the Department too should make Hostel Stays once in a fortnight, the Minister said that he has directed the officials to ensure that there are no lapses or irregularities  in procurements, purchases and upgradation of hostels.

Stating that 54 out of the 92 Department hostels in  the district are functioning from own buildings, he said that 37 are running in private buildings and the works on construction of 6 hostel buildings are expected to be completed by June. The construction of more hostels will benefit more number of students, he added.

Continuing, the Minister said that 5,000 students have applied for hostel admission and 2,500 of them will get admission. 

Maintaining that the Department has sent a proposal to the Government seeking sanction of  100 more hostels, Poojari expressed confidence that at least 50 percent of the sought hostels will be sanctioned in a month.

Referring to condition of hostels, Poojari said that the Department Commissioner and other top officials have been directed to inspect the hostels for finding out the problems faced by hostel students. 

Cautioning that the respective taluk officers will be held responsible for any lapses in the running of hostels, he asserted that action will be taken on allegations that sub-standard quality of food is being served at some hostels. 

Directing the officials to take necessary steps in this regard, he warned of action if similar complaints continue in the future.

Upgradation of temples

Referring to upgradation of temples, the Minister said that measures will be taken to upgrade  some of the more than 100  Muzrai  temples in Mysuru, T. Narasipur, Nanjangud and Periyapatna taluks of Mysuru district. He further said that Muzrai officials have been asked to ensure strict COVID-19 appropriate behaviour by devotees visiting the temples.

ADC B.S. Manjunathaswamy, Muzrai Tahsildar C.J. Krishna, Backward Classes Welfare Department District Officer Bindya, BJP leaders Siddaraju, Jogi Manju and others were present.

KMPK Trust appeals for ban on use of plastics

Earlier in the day, Poojari visited Chamundi Temple atop Chamundi Hill, during which the city’s KMPK Trust presented a memorandum to the Minister seeking a ban on the use of plastics. It also urged the Minister to ensure use of Chemical-free Arishina-Kumkuma in temples. 

The Trust members wanted the Government to issue a circular to all temples in this regard.

Trust President Vikram Iyengar, Secretary Ajay Shastri, BJP leaders Jogi Manju, Mullur Guruprasad, Jeevadhara Girish, Apoorva Suresh, Ashwin, nominated Corporator K.J. Ramesh, former  Corporator Jayaram and others were present.