Regarding need to ensure food safety and nutritional standards in hostels meant for marginalized communities in Andhra Pradesh-Laid

Regarding need to ensure food safety and nutritional standards in hostels meant for marginalized communities in Andhra Pradesh-Laid DR. GUMMA THANUJA RANI (ARAKU): Serious concerns have arisen in Andhra Pradesh regarding the dismantling of the Gorumudda nutrition programme in social welfare hostels. The programme earlier ensured structured daily menu and monitored food standards for students belonging to BC, SC, ST and minority communities. More than 900 hostel students have fallen ill in recent months. This situation is particularly alarming when the State has (cid:110) reportedly borrowed around 3.27 lakh crore within two years, yet basic nutrition from Anganwadi centres to degree-level hostels appears to be compromised. Social welfare hostels serve students from economically and socially vulnerable backgrounds, for whom hostel food is often the primary source of daily nutrition. The present situation under the State Government suggests administrative neglect and poor prioritisation of student welfare, leading to health risks and widening inequality. I urge the Central Government to strengthen oversight and monitoring under the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, including periodic audits of nutrition standards in welfare hostels. Ensuring food safety and nutritional adequacy is essential to protect student health and uphold welfare commitments in Andhra Pradesh.