150 Bonda girls quit tribal hostel claiming mismanagement

At least 150 Bonda tribe girl students of Kadamguda Educational Institute Complex have left their hostel, alleging mismanagement in its running.
The residential school at the foot hills of Bonda Hills in Odisha's Malkangiri district is meant exclusively for the girls belonging to Bonda tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group.
The girls complained that they were not being provided essential items like soap, oil and food regularly and were rebuked by teachers, if they complained.
Confirming that 150 Class VIII students, out of total 240, had left the hostel on February 6, Manga Pinga, Project Leader of Bonda Development Organisation, a state government body, said they left without informing the authorities.

"I have visited the hostel and investigated the matter. The girls left the hostel for being scolded by a lady teacher and a cook. The girls' fault was that they had demanded soap and oil which were being provided to them free of cost by the government," Pinga told PTI over phone.
Asked whether the girls faced misbehaviour by teachers, Pinga said no such complaint was filed.

The headmistress refuted the students' allegations.
Pinga said he has sent people to convince the girls to return to hostel. "Some girls have agreed to return tomorrow. I will also go to their village and bring the girls back."

Stringent action will be taken against those found guilty, said Pinga, who has also convened a meeting of teachers, guardians and local village heads.