The condition of Gurukuls and residential educational institutions under the Congress regime has become alarming, with rising incidents of negligence, suspicious deaths, food contamination, and suicides among students. In just one year, 48 student deaths have been reported, including 23 suicides, 8 suspicious fatalities, 4 from food poisoning, and 13 due to illnesses.
While the government has responded with superficial measures such as inquiry committees and suspensions of staff, it has failed to address the root causes or implement long-term solutions.
Student union leaders are voicing serious concerns over the supply of substandard goods to Gurukul hostels, which they believe is causing food adulteration and subsequent health issues. Reports reveal that contractors providing low-quality supplies are jeopardizing student health.
In addition to health concerns, the increasing suicide rates among students are attributed to mental stress caused by grueling schedules. Gurukul students are subjected to a rigorous timetable, beginning at 5:00 AM and stretching until 7:00 PM. The lack of adequate breaks and overwhelming pressure is creating a crisis in these institutions, according to parents and student leaders.
Teachers, too, are bearing the brunt of the administrative shortcomings. They report being assigned non-academic duties such as monitoring dining halls, overseeing sanitation, and inspecting kitchens, tasks unrelated to their primary teaching responsibilities. This excessive workload prevents them from focusing on students’ academic and emotional needs, leaving both students and teachers under immense stress.
The tragic case of Shailaja, who succumbed to her illness after 27 days of suffering, and the death of Bhargavi, a 9th-grade student who collapsed during prayers, are stark reminders of the neglect pervasive in Gurukuls. This year alone, more than 900 students across Gurukuls fell ill due to contaminated food, with four deaths reported from food poisoning.
Despite the growing death toll, including 13 fatalities in SC Gurukuls, the government has yet to conduct a comprehensive review or take meaningful action. Student and teacher organizations are demanding immediate government intervention to improve living conditions, revise the academic timetable, and address the systemic issues plaguing Gurukuls.