In a distressing turn of events, a series of food poisoning incidents in Gurukul educational institutions are causing concern in Telangana. Student suicides on one side and food poisoning deaths on the other are plaguing the Gurukuls and residential schools and colleges, allegedly due to negligence from the principals and apathy of the state government.
The latest incident occurred at the social welfare boys hostel in Sultanabad. The food poisoning incident resulted in 20 students experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. The affected students were admitted to Sultanabad Government Hospital.
Another such incident took place at the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Narsapur in Nirmal district. An outbreak of food poisoning occurred at the KGBV school in Narsapur, affecting 11 female students. The afflicted students were transferred to a local government hospital for necessary medical treatment.
The Mudhole Gurukul College incident in Nirmal district four months ago and an incident in Bhongir school have thrust the compromised quality standards in food preparation and lax supervision into the spotlight. Another food poisoning incident in Bhongir SC welfare hostel, which led to the death of the student named Prashanth, has shocked the state.
In January, 76 students fell ill at Mudhole Social Welfare Gurukul College in Nirmal district after consuming contaminated food. The aftermath saw numerous hospitalizations due to symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. In response, an inquiry committee, spearheaded by Joint Secretary Anantalakshmi, was swiftly appointed to delve into the matter.
The committee’s exhaustive investigation revealed a stark failure by principals to adhere to recommended measures from medical officers. Moreover, glaring inadequacies in cleanliness standards across campus facilities were brought to light. Issues ranging from malfunctioning toilets to students resorting to open defecation only exacerbated susceptibility to infectious diseases.
The residential educational institutions, which thrived during the previous BRS regime, are now grappling with severe issues due to the negligence of the authorities. The deaths and hospitalizations of several students are causing great concern.