Four boys missing from the Manakkad tribal pre-matric hostel were found after 24 hours. All 4 of them decided to walk without relying on any public transport facilities. It was only when the boys were missing even after the arrival of the 8:30 am school bus that their disappearance was noticed. They used to take the 8:30 am school bus from the hostel. 12 pre-metric hostels are functioning in Idukki under the Scheduled Caste Development Department.
The aim of the hostel facility is to provide a better learning atmosphere to the children from the backward classes. Many of the hostels are functioning under unsanitary conditions. The main issue is said to be a scarcity of adequate toilets. There are also insufficient beds. Many hostels are still grappling with garbage issues.
Homesick and disinterested in studies
One of the four boys had informed his friends that he was not interested in studies and wanted to go home. Later in the statement, they gave to the police it was written that the 3 students had accompanied this student to drop him at his home in Adimali.
The children said that they walked from Thodupuzha to Adimali and on the way rested at a church in Neryamangalam. By dawn, passers-by saw the four boys and informed the police.
Children nag about the burden of tuition
They have 2 hours of tuition in the morning and evening. The girl students of Nedunkandam pre-matric hostel complain that they don't even get time to take a bath. It was only the other day that the hostel warden received a complaint signed by 8 students. Following their complaint, the tuition time was reduced from 2 hours to 1.15 hours.
It is said that the Scheduled Caste Development Office intervened and reduced the time. The pre-metric hostel authorities informed that the reduced hours will not affect the tutors and the 20 hours of work fixed for the tutors per month will be strictly implemented. In the contract agreement of the tutors, it is said that classes can be taken from 6 am to 8 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm.
There have been complaints regarding the changes in timings as well as the fact that the tutors have not been paid for the last 3 months. Meanwhile, the Scheduled Caste Development Office informed that the distribution of salaries has been disrupted across the state.
Benefits for students...
In addition to accommodation and food for the students in pre-matric and post-matric hostels operating under the Schedule Caste Development Department and the Schedule Tribe Development Department, special tuition has been introduced for various subjects.
There is a need for computer and library facilities, but these are not available in many places. Students should be given an allowance for uniforms and stationery. TA is there to go home on vacation. Students also get a small amount as pocket money every month.