Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (BADC) has demanded transparency and accountability in the functioning of the J&K Pahari Speaking Board, particularly in the management of Pahari hostels for students across the Union Territory.
In a statement, BADC Chairman Dr Shazad Ahmed Malik said the Board was established for the welfare of students from the Pahari-speaking community, but its functioning lacks public accountability.
He said the hostels are meant to provide accommodation to poor and deserving students from border and tribal areas, and any mismanagement directly affects their future.
Dr Malik said many students come from humble backgrounds and their families make sacrifices to send them for studies, adding that they deserve proper food, clean accommodation and basic facilities.
He sought disclosure of details regarding funds received and spent by the Board, present condition of hostels, number of students availing the facilities and the admission process being followed.
He also demanded that information about food quality, quantity and expenditure in hostels should be placed in the public domain.
Dr Malik urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Social Welfare Department to examine the functioning of the Board and ensure that benefits reach genuine and deserving students.
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