Orphans staying in hostels run by the state's Social Welfare Department can finally heave a sigh of relief. Social Justice Minister Dhananjay Munde on Thursday assured these students that they won't be forced to vacate, and that the department will provide them food as well.

mid-day had on Wednesday reported that students at various such hostels were asked to vacate the premises amid the pandemic. With nowhere else to go, students were on the brink of homelessness, also because they had spent all their savings on food as the department had closed the canteens after most students moved to their hometown during the lockdown. Those who stayed put were waiting to get admission to higher courses, but it has been delayed due to a delay in the entire academic year.