Nashik: Tribal Development Minister Ashok Wooike has ordered a third-party audit of all 588 aided ashram schools in Maharashtra to assess facilities, student safety and the utilisation of govt grants.
During a visit to Nashik, Wooike said the audit would examine recurring concerns about accommodation, food, healthcare and other facilities at the schools.
“Complaints about inadequate facilities, residential arrangements, food, health services and grant utilisation frequently come to light. A comprehensive third-party audit of all aided ashram schools has been ordered. The report will be submitted to the government before action is taken against the institutions,” he said.
Wooike said the govt had taken steps to improve the quality of education for tribal students. “If flaws are revealed through this audit, it will pave the way for necessary legal action against those concerned and fix accountability,” he said.
Two committees have been appointed to investigate allegations concerning central kitchens in ashram schools.
The minister said one committee had submitted its report while the other’s was pending, making an immediate shutdown inappropriate. Efforts were underway to reduce the distance between ashram schools and central kitchens so students could receive food within 10 to 25 minutes of cooking.
Tribal student agitations took place in Aug at Nashik, Pune and Nagpur. Following discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, several demands of the students were accepted.
“These decisions include abolishing the hostel age limit, filling supernumerary posts, initiating recruitment for categories under PESA, forming a committee for rosters, and issuing a new ordinance regarding direct benefit transfers,” the minister said.
