V. Sampath Kumar, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, inspecting Government Kallar High School at Kondamanaickenpatti near Dindigul on Wednesday.

| Photo Credit: G. KARTHIKEYAN

Levelling a series of complaints, hostelers from the Government Kallar Reclamation School in Dindigul sought the assistance of Minister for Backward Classes Welfare V. Sampath Kumar on Wednesday.The Minister, who was on a visit to the district, took a drive to the hostel and interacted with the boys and girls.To the surprise of the officials present, the students claimed that the food served was of poor quality. The eatable items in packets were mostly expired. The warden in the boys’ hostel had allegedly hoarded liquor bottles. Likewise, the women’s hostel warden was never present on the premises.After realising the Minister’s visit, the management here had hired a cook from outside. Hence, the students said that the food was tasty and good quality. But, it would not be the case on a daily basis, they charged.The Minister, who patiently listened to the grievances, shared his mobile number with a few students and assured that he would take stern action.Later, when some parents in the vicinity submitted a memorandum that the name should remain as Kallar Reclamation and objected to the renaming as Social Justice Hostel/School. The Minister said that he would take it up with the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and share the decision of the government.He assured that corruption would not be allowed. The students safety and eco-system would be given top priority inside and outside the campus, he added. Published - June 24, 2026 10:12 pm IST