Around 2.5 lakh students admitted to hostels every year: Karnataka Minister

Minister inaugurates 150 hostels for college students in Belagavi, emphasizing the importance of education and support for students.

Shivaraj Tangadagi, Minister for Kannada and Culture and Backward Classes Welfare, inaugurated 150 newly built hostels for college students, in Belagavi on Tuesday (December 17, 2024).

Every year, around 3 lakh students apply for hostels. Of them, hostel facilities are provided for over 2.46 lakh students. The rest get financial assistance under Vidya Siri scheme, the Minister said.

He addressed students at a ceremony in the Suvarna Soudha after the virtual inauguration of hostels.

He said that more than three lakh students apply for hostels every year. Hostel arrangements are being made for 2.46 thousand children and the remaining students are being provided assistance under the Vidyasiri scheme.

“Most students seeking entry into hostels run by the Backward Classes Welfare Department come from farmer, poor and labourer families. They tend to work hard, use the facilities in the hostels and rise to higher positions in life. New entrants should seek inspiration from them,’‘ he said.

He recalled his school days and said that he used to walk for 4-5 kilometres per day to reach his school. “Those who have experienced hardships early in life, know what are the benefits of hostel life. Our government’s aim is that everyone should be educated and that students should study diligently and become responsible citizens,’‘ he said.

”Our government is reducing the burden of such students by setting up hostels in rural areas. We are not only giving students a place to stay, but also other facilities like well stacked libraries and online coaching,’‘ he said.