Maharashtra Cancels Licences of 11 SC Hostels After Critical CAG Report

The Maharashtra government has terminated the licences of 11 aided hostels for Scheduled Caste students across Buldhana, Jalna, Sangli, Latur, and Dharashiv districts following severe irregularities highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

The action follows a CAG report tabled in the state legislature on July 10, the final day of the monsoon session. The audit scrutinised 21 of the state's 2,388 aided hostels run by non-governmental organisations and other institutions, finding six to be non-functional or bogus. Some facilities were closed or under construction despite being listed as operational, while others lacked staff, students, attendance, and admission records.

According to the audit, the six non-functional hostels received ₹1.62 crore between 2019-20 and 2023-24 for rent, maintenance, and honorariums. The CAG also pointed out significant infrastructure deficiencies leading to overcrowded living spaces, as well as a lack of regular inspections by district council officials, district social welfare offices, and local coordination committees.

Following the findings, the state initiated an inspection drive across all aided and government-run facilities. District-level inspection committees have been established under the leadership of respective Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officers.

"We have taken serious cognisance of the report and have asked the CEOs of the zilla parishads and district social welfare officers to inspect all aided and government-run hostels," a senior official from the social justice department stated. The department has also introduced a mobile application to maintain updated records on hostel operations.

Across Maharashtra, there are 2,388 aided and 449 government-run hostels catering to 43,893 and 98,756 primary and secondary school students respectively, with an annual operating outlay exceeding ₹800 crore. Aided hostels receive ₹2,200 per student monthly for dining alongside 50 percent of staff salaries from the state, with the remaining costs covered by the operating institutions.