Kota (Rajasthan): Thousands of students, who are now stranded at the coaching hub of Kota in Rajasthan owing to the lockdown, have appealed to the government to either provide them with better facilities or send them back to their home states.
According to reports, around 30,000 students are now stranded in the city, including 7,000 from Bihar.
While the Rajasthan government is ready to provide passes to the students for them to return home, they are being stopped by the respective states at the border itself.
Many states, including Bihar, have been arguing that since the number of COVID-19 cases is on the rise in Kota, the students cannot be allowed to enter the state.
With no solution in sight, the stranded students have appealed to the Centre to step in and help them.
"We are facing issues with food. The quality of food being provided has fallen substantially. If we do not get proper food, how can we remain healthy and study?" a student from Bihar questioned.
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However, another student said that the mess operators might also be facing issues with regard to obtaining ration in a time of crisis, and hence appealed to the government to make proper arrangements.
Yet another student complained that they were still being asked to pay rent. He said that many students come from humble backgrounds, and with no proper work, their parents are unable to send them money.
He appealed to the government to either make arrangements for the students to be sent back home or slash the rates to be paid for their rent and food.
Many students also appealed to the government to test them for COVID-19, and allow them to return to their homes if tested negative.
"If a student tests negative, he should be allowed to go back home. Because, if a healthy student stays in a quarantine center with unhygienic conditions, he is at a higher risk of contracting the infection," a student said.
While the students said that they completely supported the lockdown as it was in the best interest of the nation, they asked the government to come to their aid.
