Crisis in Welfare Hostels: A Call for Urgent Government Reform

In a scathing critique of the Andhra Pradesh coalition government, former minister and YSRCP East Godavari district president Chelluboina Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna has voiced severe discontent over the conditions in welfare hostels. Addressing the media at the Rajamahendravaram Press Club, Krishna condemned the government under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for jeopardizing students' lives.

Krishna alleged that hostels have become 'living hells' due to negligence, with substandard food and scrapped quality menu schemes being central issues. He accused Education Minister Nara Lokesh of inefficiency, citing that students are being hospitalized due to contaminated meals. Proposed reforms from Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy's era were reportedly dismantled for political reasons, putting students at risk.

Despite media coverage and even a visit from Home Minister Anitha, no improvements have been made. Hostels reportedly lack basic amenities, with poor sanitation and inadequate food plaguing students. Krishna criticized TDP MLA Buchaiah Chowdary for being more interested in a ministerial post than addressing local issues, including alleged cannabis sales disguised as chocolates.

(With inputs from agencies.)