Hostel Protest In MP’s Kukshi As 150 Girls Walk 20 Km To Meet SDM Over Food And Staff Complaints

In Kukshi, Madhya Pradesh, approximately 150 students from a Kasturba Gandhi Residential School in Bagh block walked about 20 kilometers on Wednesday to meet the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Ashish Ashok Patil, IAS. Their journey began around 4 am from the hostel and led them to Birlay village. Upon receiving information, Patil and other officials promptly journeyed to the location, spoke with the students about their grievances, and listened to their concerns.

In response to the students' complaints, officials escorted them back to the hostel using vehicles. The students accused assistant warden Kusum Chauhan of repeatedly disciplining them, alleging that the hostel did not serve food according to the specified menu, and expressed discontent over guest teachers. They also claimed that prior complaints had not resolved these issues.

Patil ordered the removal of Chauhan along with three guest teachers and mandated corrective measures to be implemented at the hostel. He also requested officials to devise activities centered on healthy and educational recreation. BRC Dharmendra Thakur confirmed that the officials were adhering to the SDM's directives, and promised to engage with all students, address their concerns, and improve hostel facilities.

Mayatul Baghel, the hostel warden, disclosed that the students had not previously reported any alleged misconduct by Chauhan. She pledged to have addressed the issue immediately had she been informed; however, she acknowledged the students' discontent regarding Chauhan's behavior.