Even as 20 hostels for Adi Dravidar students in the city are overflowing with students, the government hostel in Mylapore, built at an estimated cost of Rs45 lakh by Adi Dravidar welfare department, has been lying in disuse for over two years now. The project, completed during the previous DMK regime, is yet to become operational.
The initial plan reportedly was to accommodate girls belonging to the SC/ST community in the hostel. Later, the idea was dropped owing to safety concerns. However, the hostel remained closed for a few years and there was a change in regime. Unfortunately, the officials have failed to take steps to operate the hostel.
The authorities have failed to act since the building was constructed during the DMK regime, allege social activists. “The existing hostels for students are inadequate. Students are crammed into rooms that lack cots. They are forced to sleep on mats,” they allege.
“The authorities promised to look into the issue after representations and protests,” said Mr Shiva, deputy joint secretary, Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front.
“Moreover, the government Adi Dravidar school adjacent to the hostel is being misused by anti-social elements. The authorities must take steps to restore the school that was shut a few years ago owing to declining strength,” he added.
A senior official of the Adi Dravidar and tribal welfare department told DC, “We have received 140 applications so far. The hostel will become functional within 10 days.”
To a question regarding the Adi Dravidar school that was shut owing to declining strength a few years ago, he said, “The school will be renovated and converted into a hostel for SC/ST students. It will also house a library and fitness centre,” he said.