MP CM urges academic, patriotic atmosphere in tribal hostels
Bhopal, April 15
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday directed officials to foster a positive atmosphere of academic diligence and patriotism in hostels and residential ashrams operated by the state's Tribal Affairs Department.
Chairing a review meeting at the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister emphasised that these institutions should not only provide basic facilities but also nurture discipline, cultural values, and a sense of national pride among students.
"A positive atmosphere of academic diligence and patriotism should be fostered in the hostels and ashrams. These institutions play a crucial role in shaping the future of tribal students," Yadav said.
He also suggested involving social and voluntary organisations such as the Jan Abhiyan Parishad and Gayatri Parivar in the management and monitoring of these hostels and ashrams to improve overall functioning.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for maintaining high standards of cooking, sanitation, and security in these facilities.
"Special attention must be paid to cooking, sanitation, and security arrangements. Proper training and monitoring systems should be developed to ensure sensitive and effective management," he added.
According to official data, nearly 3,000 ashrams and hostels are currently being run by the Tribal Affairs Department across Madhya Pradesh.
In addition, around 2,000 such institutions are operated by the Scheduled Caste Development Department, catering to students from marginalised communities.
Hostels operated by the Tribal Welfare and Scheduled Caste Welfare Department of Madhya Pradesh provide free residential facilities, including accommodation, meals, electricity, water, bedding, and furniture, to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backwards Class students from primary to college level.
These include pre-matric, post-matric, and college hostels. The facilities also offer libraries, academic support, sports infrastructure, and a structured environment to ensure safe, inclusive, and holistic educational development, particularly for students from remote and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Neeraj Mandloi, and Principal Secretary of Tribal Affairs Gulshan Bamra, were also present.
The review meeting focused on improving infrastructure, strengthening management practices, and ensuring that hostels and ashrams become safe and enriching spaces for students' overall development.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see focus on basic amenities like cooking and sanitation. Often these facilities are neglected. Hope the involvement of social organisations leads to real accountability and not just paperwork.
While the intent is good, I hope "patriotism" is taught in a constructive way—celebrating our diverse culture and history—and doesn't become about forced rituals. The academic support and sports facilities mentioned are more crucial.
As someone who stayed in a government hostel, the library and academic support can be life-changing. 5000 such hostels across MP is a huge number. Proper implementation is the real challenge. Fingers crossed!
Interesting to see the holistic approach. Involving groups like Gayatri Parivar could bring valuable discipline and value-based education. Hope the focus on security translates to safer spaces for all students, especially girls.
The directive is fine, but what about the funds? Maintaining 3000 ashrams needs serious budget allocation. Hope this review meeting leads to actual resource deployment and not just another announcement.
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