State issues notices to 72 Thane schools for tribals

Updated on: Thursday, June 02, 2011

Concerned by the appalling conditions of aided ashram schools for tribals, the state has slapped notices on 72 such institutes in Thane, asking them to ensure basic infrastructure facilities for the students. However, no deadline has been set for the implementation of the state’s guidelines.

Most such schools are run by voluntary groups which are directly or indirectly associated with political leaders and are alleged to be “profit only” institutes, lacking in elementary infrastructure such as bathrooms, kitchens and school material for the students. Former tribal development secretary Uttam Khobragade had in fact suggested suspension of aid money for the schools as the funds had failed to achieve the desired objective.

“Around Rs 350 crore is disbursed every year to the 556 aided ashram schools across the state. The funds are meant to take care of the basic needs of tribal students, including their food, shelter, uniform, education material, medicines, among others,” a tribal development department official told TOI. “In addition to this, funds are also sanctioned for the school rent, books, stationery and other staff-related expenses. However, in most cases, the student list is inflated to pocket the cash and even basic hygiene standards are not maintained,” he added.

“The institutes should have independent bathrooms for girl and boy students. The kitchen building should be separate from the school, and the residential complex should in a different building. The ashrams will have to comply to these conditions now,” said PD Karvande, additional tribal commissioner, Thane. He added that the state makes liberal allocations for these ashram schools. “For every student, the state pays Rs 620 per month to the school management,” Karvande said.

State issues notices to 72 Thane schools for tribals

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