Kerala: No government funds to feed tribal students

KOTTAYAM: The 33 tribal students belonging to various tribal settlements of Edamalakudy in residential classes at a community auditorium have not been given government funds, acting as a big hurdle in providing food to the children. Though the panchayath had initially assured them of funds, even three months after the classes began, the funds have not been allocated.   Of the 33 students studying from first standard to fourth standard, 22 are girls. The students belonging to the tribal settlements of Keezpathamkudy, Iruppukalkudy, Mulakuthara and a few other tribal settlements are studying in these classes.

The students belonging to various settlements have now been accommodated at the community hall of the panchayath since the single teacher schools did not take off because of the non-availability of the students and teachers. Four single school teachers are teaching the students currently. “Since residential classes are being taken for the students, they should be given four meals a day. Due to the absence of adequate funds, it is getting difficult every day”, P.K. Muralidharan, a single school teacher told DC. As of now, food expenses are being met through donations.  However, this would not be possible for a long time, Mr Muralidharan added. According to sources, panchayath authorities are citing technical delays in handing over the funds.