The Congress government in the State is neglecting its basic duties in the name of funding guarantees, BJP MP Jagadish Shettar said on Monday.

Mr. Shettar, who is a former Chief Minister, said that he is extremely upset with the way the State government has withheld funds of several crores of rupees to contractors who supply meals to hostels of the Social Welfare Department.

“The Congress government owes a total of ₹370 crore to a total of 1,939 student hostels in the State. They include pre-matric and post-matric hostels. These dues, including food expenses of students, building rent and maintenance expenses, have been pending for over 18 months,” the MP said.

“Such hostels in Belagavi district alone are owed by the Congress government dues of over ₹29 crore. The Congress government is playing with the future of students by delaying grants. Poor parents admit their wards hoping that they will get good education and settle down in life. But the State government has been unable to even provide basic facilities,” he said and urged the State government to settle all pending dues, according to a release.