Visakhapatnam, October 6
Leaders of the YSR Congress Party expressed strong criticism of the coalition government due to the concerning health crisis affecting tribal residential schools in Parvathipuram district.
https://x.com/YSRCParty/status/1974850548504686794
During a visit to students receiving treatment at KGH, former Deputy Chief Minister Pushpa Srivani, Araku Member of Parliament Tanuja Rani, former MLA Rajanna Dora, and Zilla Parishad Chairman Mazji Chinna Srinu held the government fully accountable for the situation.
Two tribal girl students, Anjali and Kalpana, have died of jaundice, while over 120 others are hospitalised. Leaders stated that contaminated water, inadequate sanitation, and malfunctioning RO plants are the root causes. They demanded compensation of Rs. 10 lakh for each bereaved family.
Pushpa Srivani revealed that RO plants set up during the YSRCP government have not been maintained for months, forcing students to consume unsafe water.
She criticised the government for covering up hostel deaths by suspending local staff instead of taking responsibility.
Even basic facilities, such as fans and mosquito nets, are absent, and sanitation workers have gone unpaid for three months.
Araku MP Tanuja Rani said 129 students are now suffering from jaundice due to prolonged neglect.
Despite repeated alerts, the government failed to supply safe water, proper food, or preventive medical camps. She condemned the Tribal Welfare Minister for visiting schools only after media pressure, while making contradictory statements to shield the administration.
The leaders stated that this tragedy reflects the collapse of tribal welfare over the past 15 months of coalition rule. They demanded urgent corrective measures to protect students' lives and dignity.
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy squarely blamed the gross negligence of the Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government for the tragic death of tribal girl students in Parvathipuram Manyam district.
Talking to X, YS Jagan said the collapse of the RO plant at the Kurupam Girls' Tribal Gurukul school forced students to consume contaminated water, triggering a jaundice outbreak. Within just four days, two young girls lost their lives, while many more fell seriously ill.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Why do we always wait for tragedies to happen? RO plants installed but not maintained - this shows complete negligence. Rs 10 lakh compensation is the least they can do for the grieving families.
While I agree this situation is terrible, let's not make this entirely political. Both parties should work together to fix the system rather than blaming each other. The focus should be on the children's welfare.
No fans, no mosquito nets, contaminated water - this is unacceptable in 2024. Our tribal communities have been neglected for too long. The officials responsible should be held accountable, not just suspended staff.
As a mother, this news brings tears to my eyes. These girls had their whole lives ahead of them. The government must implement regular health checks and ensure proper sanitation in all residential schools across the state. ðŸ«
The fact that sanitation workers haven't been paid for 3 months shows systemic failure. How can we expect cleanliness when the workers themselves are struggling? This needs immediate rectification.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.