Poriem and Sanguem incidents call for improvement in audit efficiency
Two incidents were reported in government schools on Thursday and Friday focusing on student safety. A ceiling fan of a government primary school in Poriem-Sattari on Thursday fell, leaving a 9-year-old student who was answering her examination, injured. In the second case, five students of a government higher secondary school in Sanguem sustained injuries after a portion of false ceiling in the school hall fell on them.
What was surprising was that the government primary school in Sattari was recently renovated. The ceiling fan was also a new one. In the Sanguem case, the local MLA has blamed monkeys for the false ceiling collapse. Whatever may be the reasons, an inquiry by the Directorate of Education (DoE) will reveal the cause in both the cases.
Both the incidents highlight concerns about school infrastructure. Educationists and lawmakers have said that the authorities must prioritise student safety and address the concerns promptly.
The Directorate of Education has said that they conduct safety audit of all government-run schools every year. This is a positive step but it is important that repair works are completed in time.
In the Sanguem case, it has been reported that there was a delay on the part of the authorities to repair the roof damaged by monkeys which led to the collapse of the false ceiling.
The issue of roof-tile damage, false ceiling or ceiling fan falling has repercussions on the students and the school in general. These kinds of ugly incidents give a bad name to the government schools. Government schools are already experiencing a decline in enrolment and every year, several government schools close down. Around 233 schools are run by single teachers. Over 30% of the government primary schools (GPS) in the state have an enrolment of fewer than 15 students.
There is no doubt that the government has been upgrading the facilities in the schools. Some have got renovated buildings while others have a new roof, or false ceiling, new benches, new boards, toilets, etc. Over the years the condition of these schools has improved but questions are being asked over their maintenance. The government has also made efforts to improve the quality of education and many have done well in the board examinations.
Experts say that maintenance is a must in all government buildings, and schools are no exception. False ceilings are to be regularly inspected to prevent collapse. Similarly, electric fans also need to be checked for maintenance. Some private schools have a designated safety officer or a maintenance person. Government educational institutions should also hire someone who ensures that the maintenance is done regularly and professionally. The Opposition has alleged corruption in the civil works which, according to them, is the root cause for sub-standard works.
In view of the two incidents, it is time the authorities go for a review of the audit process of all the facilities in the government schools. Acting as a preventive measure, it will also reassure the parents of the safety of their children in the schools. Children belonging to the poor strata of the society are the ones who go to government-run schools.
It goes without saying that the safety of students and the staff in government schools is paramount. It’s time to prioritise safety. Even the government-aided schools have to adopt preventive measures. The authorities, in collaboration with the parent-teacher associations, need to be proactive in the safety of children.
