Balasore: Around 250 inmates of Bishipur ashram school hostel in Mayurbhanj district walked out of the campus on Monday protesting alleged disruption of drinking water and electricity supply in the hostel for two months and poor quality of food, despite repeated complaints to the hostel in-charge and matron. The matron, they claimed, informed the headmaster but in vain.Frustrated over the alleged inaction, the students decided to approach the welfare extension officer (WEO) and education department officials directly. They walked around eight km from the hostel along the Udala-Baripada SH demanding that their grievances be heard.Police and school authorities intercepted the students on the way and tried to persuade them to return to the hostel. But they remained firm. The students later reached Khunta Chowk, from where they were taken to the Khunta block office. Their grievances were discussed in the presence of the Kaptipada sub-collector, project administrator of Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) and the block development officer.They said if the issues were not resolved, they would proceed to meet the district collector. A hostel in-charge, Basanti Soren, said the inmates had brought several of their problems to her notice and that she had repeatedly informed the headmaster. “There was a shortage of rice at the hostel this month. But food is being served as per the prescribed menu,” Soren said.District welfare officer, Mayurbhanj, Guru Charan Mallick, said an inquiry has been ordered into the allegations raised by students. “The allegations will be thoroughly examined and necessary action will be taken after the inquiry report is received,” he said.