Burman inaugurates a hostel for Toto students. Picture by Anirban Choudhury

Totopara (Alipurduar), June 24: Bengal backward class welfare minister Jogesh Burman yesterday came down heavily on officials from his department at the inauguration of two hostels here, 70 km from Alipurduar town.

The minister was not happy with the rooms in the girls’ hostel.

“It is impossible for five girls to stay in each of these rooms. I have instructed the Jalpaiguri project officer to prepare an estimate for the construction of three other rooms within the next 15 days. For the moment, three girls will share each of the rooms,” Burman said.

There are four rooms in the girls’ hostel along with a dining room and a kitchen. The minister, however, was not happy with the small rooms for the girls. Though five beds had somehow been pushed into each room, there was no place to keep chairs, tables or other necessary things.

During his visit here last year, his first since he took charge, Burman had laid the foundation for two hostels — one for boys, one for girls. Work on the hostels was completed within one year at an estimated cost of Rs 14 lakh and the minister inaugurated both yesterday.

“The development of Totopara is always foremost on our minds. The two hostels inaugurated today will cater to 40 boys and girls between Classes V and X. We will provide their books, food and dress free of cost,” Burman said.

The inauguration was also attended by ministers Manohar Tirkey and Debolina Hembram, local MLA Kumari Kujur and Abani Das, the sabhapati of the panchayat samiti.