Karnataka introduces timestamped photo system to ensure timely meals at hostels

In an effort to ensure that students at hostels and residential schools for Scheduled Castes are well-nourished, the Karnataka government has implemented a new measure requiring wardens and kitchen staff to post timestamped photographs as proof that meals are served three times a day. The initiative, aimed at improving accountability in the 2,005 hostels and 825 residential schools managed by the Department of Social Welfare, will cover around 4.4 lakh students.

The program was initially rolled out as a pilot project in backward districts such as Bidar, Raichur, and Chamarajanagar. However, following its success, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa have directed officials to extend it to seven additional districts: Bagalkot, Belagavi, Udupi, Kolar, Bengaluru Urban, Tumakuru, and Mysuru, starting January 26.

Nagaraju T Pujar, officer on special duty for the Social Welfare Department, informed that the pilot phase began on December 24, covering 291 hostels. The extended scheme will include 946 institutions. The idea was conceived after Minister Mahadevappa received complaints from civic groups about misused ration supplies. The minister suggested periodic audits of meals, leading to the introduction of the timestamped photograph requirement.

The department is expected to post around 11,500 photos daily, documenting three meals for each of the 946 hostels. These photos will be available for public access on the website Foodswdgok.In.

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