Tue Oct 21 15:28:23 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Government Ashram High School in Thirunelli, Wayanad, a residential school primarily serving Paniya and Adiya tribal children, is facing a critical situation. The girls’ hostel was declared unsafe in July, forcing approximately 120 girls to live in just three classrooms with only one toilet, creating unsanitary and disruptive conditions. While the Scheduled Tribes Development Department (STDD) plans to relocate the school to a new facility in Aralam, Kannur, delays in securing a power connection are holding up the move. Furthermore, the relocation raises concerns about the increased travel distance for parents and the school’s existing issues of neglect, including a lack of security against wildlife and poor hygiene standards. Despite these challenges, the school has maintained a strong academic and athletic record.

News Article:

Tribal Girls in Wayanad Enduring Dire Conditions as Hostel Deemed Unsafe

WAYANAD, October 21, 2025 (The Hindu) — Around 120 tribal girls at Government Ashram High School in Thirunelli, Wayanad, are living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions after their hostel was deemed unsafe in July. The Paniya and Adiya girls are now housed in just three classrooms within the school building, forced to share a single toilet, sparking outrage from staff and concerns about their well-being.

The school, a vital residential institution for tribal children from Wayanad and Kozhikode districts, has been struggling since the Public Works Department (PWD) declared the girls’ hostel building unsafe. Classes have been disrupted to accommodate the girls and moved to areas like the computer lab and library.

While the Scheduled Tribes Development Department (STDD) intends to relocate the school’s 250 students and 40 staff members to a new Model Residential School in Aralam, Kannur, the move is currently stalled due to a delay in securing a power connection. The STDD claims that all other arrangements are complete.

“We hope to shift to Aralam within one week after getting the power connection,” said STDD superintendent N. Jayan. The department has reportedly paid ₹21 lakh to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB)

The proposed relocation has raised concerns among parents, who currently visit their children weekly. Aralam is approximately 60km from Thirunelli, increasing the distance and cost of visiting.

Beyond the immediate housing crisis, the Ashram School has faced ongoing issues of neglect. Located on the edge of the forest, the school lacks a compound wall, leaving students vulnerable to encounters with wild animals, including elephants. Poor hygiene is also a recurring complaint.

Despite these hardships, the school boasts a 100% pass rate on SSLC exams and excels in sports, though students are forced to practice on the tarred road due to the lack of a sports ground. The current situation highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and adequate resources to support the education and well-being of these tribal students.

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