Key Update

The Telangana state government is preparing to introduce a unified hostel management software after task force committees and institution-level committees failed to curb the rise in food poisoning cases in government-run schools and hostels.

Last year, the government created these committees to tackle the growing number of foodborne illness incidents in residential institutions. Their mandate included monitoring food preparation, preventing contamination, investigating reported cases, identifying root causes, and submitting timely reports. However, food poisoning cases continue to be reported from several schools and hostels. Many institutions have not set up the mandated committees, and even where committees exist, they are not performing their duties effectively.

Shift Toward a Centralised Digital Solution

Alarmed by the recurring incidents, Telangana is now moving towards a centralised, technology-driven approach. Senior officials from the BC Welfare, Minorities Welfare, and other departments recently met to identify common operational challenges and outline the core requirements for the new software.

Key Focus Areas for the New System

Officials emphasised that the platform must prioritise essential functions, including:

• student welfare and safety
• hostel facilities and infrastructure
• food provisioning and quality checks
• handling medical emergencies
• inspection schedules
• timely report submission

Developers Begin Work, Rollout Expected Soon

Software developers have received detailed guidelines for building the integrated platform. While the rollout date is yet to be finalised, officials said the government aims to implement the system at the earliest to strengthen hostel safety and reduce food poisoning incidents.

Source: Telengana Today