DODA, MAY 23: Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh today chaired a meeting of District Level Committee on Hostel Inspection here in the Mini Conference Hall, DC Office Complex.
The meeting was convened to review the inspection and overall functioning of hostels across the District Doda, with a focus on ensuring effective management, safety, hygiene, and the welfare of students residing in these facilities, in alignment with government norms and expectations.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Anil Kumar Thakur; District Social Welfare Officer Tariq Qazi; District Education Planning Officer Anis Ahmed; Assistant Director FCS & CA, Accounts Officer SSP office, Food Safety Officer and wardens of G&B Hostel (Girls), G&B Hostel (Boys), Hostel GHSS Doda, Parisha (Nari Niketan), and Palash (Bal Ashram).
During the meeting, the DC emphasized the need for regular and surprise inspections of hostels to monitor food quality, sanitation standards, safety protocols, and the overall living conditions of students. He directed the concerned officers to submit detailed inspection reports and take immediate corrective measures wherever necessary. Special focus was laid on ensuring the psychological well-being of hostel residents and the availability of proper grievance redressal mechanisms.
The Deputy Commissioner also instructed officers to coordinate closely with hostel wardens to streamline the supply of essential commodities, maintain infrastructure, and ensure timely health check-ups for inmates. He stressed that hostels should function as safe, supportive, and development-friendly environments for the children and youth of the district.
The DC reviewed the work rosters of all permanent and temporary hostel employees, as well as the accommodation facilities. He also reviewed staff positions in hostels across the district and issued necessary directions to utilise their services for the betterment of hostel inmates. He directed that routine medical check-ups for all hostel boys and girls be ensured.
Further, the DC instructed for installation of CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers in all hostels for better supervision and fire safety. The criteria for the admission to the Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostels was also discussed, and emphasis was placed on providing quality education to the students residing in these hostels.
DC Doda directed the ADC to ensure regular inspections of hostels focusing on education, food, and health parameters. He also reviewed the purchasing process for hostel items and instructed that items be procured through GeM under proper formalities.
Additionally, the DC directed the District Social Welfare Officer to initiate work on the construction of a new hostel building to increase accommodation capacity.
Stakeholders of hostel supervision raised several issues and grievances during the meeting, and the Deputy Commissioner assured them that all concerns would be addressed and resolved promptly.
The DC also instructed concerned officials to maintain proper records of accounts, health, and education indicators to ensure efficient hostel functioning. He further urged the introduction of regular health and yoga activities in hostels to improve student well-being.
Moreover, DC Doda called for the appointment of a counselor for hostel students and directed that extracurricular activities such as cultural programs and painting competitions be organized regularly to foster a holistic learning environment.
