Even as Government is spending crores of rupees towards providing education, food and accommodation for tribal students, the inmates in Kottur tribal home are facing immense hardships due to lack of adequate facilities at the home here, thanks to the apathy of the officials concerned.
Around 24 to -27 girls from the tribal villages in the Agasthyamala ranges live in a very small home in Kottur town for better education. These girls who are economically poor, have no other option but to stay in this home for pursuing free education.
As per the original proposals, plans were to construct a two-storied building, but nothing was implemented, allegedly due to lack of funds.
According to officials, more than Rs 35000 is being spent per head towards accommodation, food and other purposes every year. After the completion of works of the ground floor, with a small room, a bathroom and a kitchen, the students were accommodated in the building. Though further construction works of the building were taken up, it was not completed, causing hardships to the students.
Those tribal children who completed their primary education come here to pursue further studies. In most of the cases, children after completing their Plus Two level education move back to their homes though there are ambitious ones who are interested to continue their studies. The children here sacrifice everything for their education.
An NGO had earlier taken the initiative to complete the works of the unfinished building but had to quit due to the lack of funds. According to one estimate, not even 25 per cent work has been completed.
As of now, it is certain organisations and groups including Save a Rupee Spread A Smile(SARSAS) and individuals from Technopark which are trying to help finish the building by collecting funds.