Malkangiri: Students of Kalimela Upper Primary School staying in the girls’ hostel approached the block development officer (BDO) with complaints of mismanagement, poor-quality food and physical assault by a teacher.
The students Tuesday alleged that they were often served poor-quality food and, on some occasions, were not provided meals at all. They said repeated complaints to the hostel authorities had failed to bring any improvement.
The girls also alleged that a teacher, identified as Sahu sir, physically assaulted students, leaving them frightened. They further alleged that `100 was being collected from each student for Ganesh Puja celebrations at the school.
The students said most of them came from poor families and could not afford the contribution.
Taking the complaints seriously, Kalimela BDO Pradeep Kumar Kar said a three-member committee would be formed to inquire the allegations and assess its overall condition, including the quality of food.
The committee will visit the hostel and submit a report following the inquiry. Kar said police had also been informed about the allegation of physical assault.
He assured the students that he would personally visit the hostel to assess the situation and that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
The complaints have raised concerns over the conditions and management of the hostel, where students depend on the facility for their daily meals and accommodation.