Crisis in Telangana’s Gurukuls: NHRC to Probe Over 866 Cases
The recent surge in student illnesses in Telangana’s government-run residential schools has sparked widespread concern and outrage. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the situation and has ordered a probe into over 866 cases of student illnesses reported across the state. The inquiry comes as a response to the alarming rise in cases of students falling ill due to substandard food, unsanitary environments, and a lack of basic facilities in these schools.
According to reports, thousands of students have been affected by a range of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The situation has been described as “alarming” and “disturbing” by rights activists and health officials alike. The NHRC has expressed grave concern over the situation and has demanded a report within four weeks from the state government on the probe.
The crisis in Telangana’s Gurukuls, as the state-run residential schools are commonly known, has been brewing for some time. Students and parents have been complaining about the poor condition of the schools, which have been plagued by issues such as inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, and substandard food. Despite repeated pleas for improvement, the situation has only worsened over time.
The recent surge in illnesses has been linked to a combination of factors, including the poor condition of the schools, lack of proper medical facilities, and inadequate supervision. Many students have been forced to live in squalid conditions, with inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of proper medical care, with many students being forced to rely on makeshift clinics and over-the-counter medications.
The NHRC’s decision to probe into the cases of student illnesses has been welcomed by rights activists and health officials. “This is a long-overdue move by the NHRC,” said Kavitha Kuruganti, a Hyderabad-based rights activist. “The state government has been ignoring the pleas of students and parents for far too long. It is high time that someone takes action to address the crisis in these schools.”
The NHRC has also asked the state government to provide a detailed report on the measures taken to improve the condition of the schools and provide medical care to the affected students. The commission has also sought information on the number of students affected, the nature of the illnesses, and the measures taken to prevent future occurrences.
The state government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with many accusing it of being slow to respond to the situation. The government has, however, maintained that it is taking all necessary steps to address the crisis, including providing medical care to the affected students and improving the condition of the schools.
The crisis in Telangana’s Gurukuls is a stark reminder of the need for better governance and accountability. The state government must take immediate action to address the crisis and ensure that all students have access to proper medical care, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. The NHRC’s probe is a welcome step towards addressing the crisis, and we hope that it will lead to tangible improvements in the condition of these schools.
