Worms in food, rude wardens: CM Vijay's surprise visit exposes govt hostel's woes
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's surprise visit to a Chennai hostel on Saturday turned into a grievance session of sorts, with students bringing up
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's surprise visit to a Chennai hostel on Saturday turned into a grievance session of sorts, with students bringing up a series of complaints, including worms in food, alleged misbehaviour by wardens and security lapses on campus. The concerns were raised by students of the MC Raja Social Justice Hostel in Saidapet, where Vijay interacted with residents and reviewed the living conditions. Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu was also present during the visit. Read Full Story The Rs 44.5-crore, 10-storey hostel was constructed during the previous DMK government's tenure.
The first major complaint raised by students was about the food served at the hostel. They alleged that worms and bugs were frequently found in meals and claimed that kitchen staff prepared food without wearing gloves or hair caps, raising concerns over hygiene and safety standards. The complaints, however, went beyond food. Students alleged that some wardens misbehaved with them and accused outsiders, including rowdy elements, of frequently entering the hostel premises and threatening residents. Students also flagged the hostel's strict closing hours, saying the restrictions affected those preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC.
They alleged that wardens refused to reopen the gates for students returning late, leaving some of them with no option but to spend nights outside the hostel, including in nearby parks. Poor sanitation was another issue raised by students, who alleged that bathrooms and restrooms had broken fixtures and were not cleaned regularly. They also complained that sports facilities on the campus remained locked despite being available for student use. Security concerns featured prominently in the students' complaints as well. They claimed that while the hostel was supposed to have 64 CCTV cameras, only a few had been installed.
After hearing the grievances, CM Vijay assured students that their complaints would be looked into and directed officials to address their issues. To ensure officials were caught off guard, Vanni Arasu said the Social Justice Department was informed only 10 minutes before the Chief Minister's arrival at the hostel. Ends
The BriefWire