A number of gross irregularities including supply of sub standard foods and inadequate accommodation have surfaced in the state-run Ashram Schools in Maharashtra, a top official has said.

"All the Ashram Schools do not have the number of students to match with the figures presented to government, they lack basic amenities like classrooms, books and washroom facilities," State Principal Secretary, Tribal Development, Uttam Khobragade told a press conference here yesterday.

The number of teachers shown in the record does not match with the head count, children and hostel inmates are fed sub standard meals and boys and girls are dumped in small rooms beyond capacity, Khobragade said quoting a survey conducted by the Department recently.

Khobragade said about 530 such Ashram Schools were funded by the State Government and were getting a whopping Rs 340 crore per year as grant in aid.

Describing the situation as horrible, he said the washrooms for girls were without roof and proper cover in some places and tribal children looked malnourished and appeared worse than street children.

He also alleged some of the Ashram Schools being run by politicians.

The management of these Ashram Schools were clearly violating the human rights of children, Khobragade added.