Baramulla, June 24:
A team headed by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Baramulla, Pranjal J. Hazarika today undertook an extensive field inspection of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) at Watergam, Tragpora and Palaash/Parisha Hostels at Rebban and Kanispora to assess the quality of facilities and overall living conditions being provided to the resident students.
The ADDC was accompanied by District Information Officer Baramulla, Iftakhar Naseem, Accounts Officer to ADDC, Ms. Ilka Hassan and representatives from Health, Education, Food Safety and other departments.
During the visit, the team carried out a thorough review of various aspects of hostel management, including sanitation, hygiene standards, availability of basic amenities, quality of food, drinking water facilities, accommodation arrangements, healthcare provisions and overall upkeep of the hostel premises.
The ADDC interacted with hostel wardens, staff members and students to obtain first-hand feedback regarding the facilities available and the challenges faced by the residents. Emphasis was laid on ensuring a safe, secure and conducive environment for the students residing in the hostels.
Special attention was given to the cleanliness of kitchens, dining halls, washrooms and dormitories. The inspection team also assessed the availability and functionality of essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, bedding, study spaces and recreational facilities.
As part of the inspection, a detailed review of fire safety measures and emergency preparedness mechanisms was also conducted. The ADDC stressed the importance of maintaining robust safety standards in all residential institutions and directed the concerned departments to prepare and submit a comprehensive fire exit and evacuation plan. The plan, he said, should be duly vetted by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to ensure preparedness in the event of any emergency or unforeseen exigency.
Meanwhile, the ADDC directed the Food Safety Officer to undertake regular inspections of all KGBV and Palash Hostels across the district to ensure strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards, emphasizing that the quality, nutritional value and safe handling of food served to students must be monitored on a continuous basis.
The ADDC further instructed the concerned officials to address any deficiencies identified during the inspection in a time-bound manner and ensure strict adherence to prescribed standards of safety, hygiene and student welfare.