Mumbai, Correspondent
Taking strict note of escalating complaints regarding poor living conditions and substandard meals at Social Justice Department-run student hostels in Mumbai, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat carried out an unannounced inspection on Wednesday, delivering a scathing critique of administrative apathy and vowing zero tolerance for negligence.
Highlighting that the state government allocates approximately ₹7,800 per student monthly for meals, Shirsat expressed deep displeasure over the poor food quality.
"We are not doing any favors to the students; providing quality meals is the government's absolute commitment," he asserted.
The minister questioned the current contracting system, revealing that primary contractors often illegally outsource work to sub-contractors. This financial margin manipulation directly compromises food quality, prompting the department to explore structural reforms.
Expressing shock over reports that non-eligible individuals, including those employed or running businesses, are illegally occupying rooms in hostels across Chembur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Shirsat directed the Principal Secretary to verify student rosters and initiate criminal proceedings against squatters rather than mere evictions.
Empowering the youth, Shirsat invited students to directly report grievances to senior officials, the commissioner, or even his personal office if local authorities fail to act, warning that dereliction of duty will invite severe consequences.
Addressing infrastructural decay, the minister announced that relocation plans are underway for the next month or two, paving the way for the demolition of old buildings and the construction of modern, well-equipped hostels through MHADA within two to three months.
Dismissing cosmetic cleanliness drives orchestrated specifically ahead of VIP visits, Shirsat mandated that routine, high standards of hygiene and sanitation must be maintained across all residential facilities permanently.
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