Collectors told to form JACs to ensure proper hygiene at welfare hostels in Andhra Pradesh

The department of Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare has issued directions to all District Collectors in Andhra Pradesh to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC) with officials from nine departments to conduct inspections and outline measures that the government can take to prevent students from falling ill in educational institutes and welfare hostels.

The orders were issued following the suggestions made by the Task Force committee, formed by the State government in December, to strengthen measures to prevent infectious diseases. According to a press note from the department, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian, who heads the Task Force committee comprising 24 members, issued the orders to the Collectors on Tuesday (January 20, 2026).

According to the order, the JAC will be formed with district officials from the departments of health, food safety, Panchayat, municipal, Animal Husbandry, agriculture, BC/SC/ST welfare, Rural Water Supply, and education.

The JAC has been tasked with the responsibility of conducting regular and surprise inspections at all government educational institutions and hostels according to a fixed schedule. They should also examine the conditions of the hostels, toilets, drainage system, overhead tanks and surroundings.

They should find out if the hostels are being inspected by medical officers, if basic medicines are available, if there have been any outbreaks of diarrhoea, if anaemic students are receiving medicines and help, if any measures are being taken to check mosquito breeding and rat infestation and prevent snakes and dogs from entering the premises, if food is being stored properly and if cleanliness is being maintained in the kitchen.

The Commissioner said that the Joint Action Committees should also investigate the quality of water used for cleaning vegetables and for cooking purposes.

According to the press note, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is particular about maintaining hygiene in government schools and hostels. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav also emphasised that the responsibilities of the JAC do not end with inspections, and submitting reports, but that these should be followed with action. Everyone should work in coordination to bring about changes to ensure the health of students, Mr. Satya Kumar Yadav said.