The Karnataka High Court in the case High Court of Karnataka And State of Karnataka and Anr observed and has directed the State government for filing the comprehensive reply giving details of the action taken to fill up vacant posts of wardens and superintendents in government hostels run in the state for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students.
The Division bench comprising of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit in the case was hearing the suo-motu petition granted two weeks’ time to the government to file its affidavit/statement of objection.
The court in the case recorded the submissions made by Advocate Nitin Ramesh that the issue raised in the plea of inadequate staff members particularly, warden or superintendents in the hostels being run by state government for SC or ST students also needs to be looked at from another angle.
The court observed that the inadequacy of staff would result in hampering the academic career of students and this would also be a cause of concern considering protection of children’s rights.
Further, it has been submitted by him that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has released a report containing regulatory guidelines on State’s duties in respect of management of the hostels.
The court in its order stated that the valid point is raised by amicus, we expect a response of the state government on this aspect or issue also. As such the said court grant two weeks time to the state government advocate to file a detailed and comprehensive statement of objection. Needless to state that copy be supplied to amicus in advance.
The bench in the case observed and has reminded the state of an order issued last year, wherein the court directed it to undertake backlog recruitment drive in all government departments and institutions and to accomplish the task on a war footing within outer limit of 6 months.
Further, the court in its order dated September 21, 2023 stated that it will not be an exaggerated expectation of this court seeking response from the government as to whether certain steps are initiated vide our order, and in case such steps are initiated latest report be submitted to the said court.
The court while considering the facts and circumstances of the case stated that the social welfare departments are not appointing staff in spite of specific guidelines for appointment qua the strength of the students in these hostels.
Further, the court stated that there are 1296 pre-metric hostels and 1165 post metric hostels but the number of superintendents and wardens is less than 1200 causing shortage of necessary human resources, resulting in serious damages to the academic career of the students.
