Bangalore:
One more inmate of the Beggars Relief Centre in Bangalore died while being brought back from hospital today, taking the toll in the government-run Centre to 27 in the past week.
"The beggar who had escaped from the Centre a week ago died while he was being brought back in a vehicle", Principal Secretary, Social Welfare, Venkateshaiah said.
Police said over 600 beggars fled in the last one week "as they were being badly beaten up at the Centre".
The government had come under attack for the "dismal" conditions at the Centre, which resulted in the deaths of 26 inmates in the last six days.
Venkateshaiah said the government has taken many steps to improve living conditions at the Centre, the biggest in the state with around 2,500 inmates.
"Apart from cleaning up operations, medical set up is being strengthened with more number of doctors being deployed on a regular basis. Specialists, including gynecologists, will also be available, depending on the need of the patients", he said.
The number of staff would be increased as most inmates are already suffering from many ailments and cannot take care of their personal hygiene.
Ramaiah, Secretary, Central Relief Committee, said solar heaters are being installed, water filters purchased and borewells repaired to provide clean drinking water. Besides, new kitchen utensils, clothes, bedspreads and other toiletries are also being provided.
"We will also install heavy duty washing machines with hot wash facilities to contain spread of infection", he said.
Venkateshaiah said the dilapidated relief Centre will be replaced with a modern building with all amenities.