Did Kerala HC Respond to Students from a Submerged School?
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Synopsis
The Kerala High Court has taken significant action in response to a distressing letter from students whose school has been submerged for over a month. This situation highlights urgent issues faced by educational institutions in flood-prone areas and raises questions about safety and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala High Court intervenes on behalf of submerged school students.
- Twenty classrooms were flooded due to recent heavy rains.
- Only 4 rooms are currently operational for classes.
- The court aims to address broader issues affecting schools in the region.
- Safety measures in schools need urgent attention following a recent tragedy.
Kochi, July 23 (NationPress) The Chief Justice of Kerala High Court, Nitin Jamdar, on Wednesday, took suo moto cognizance of a letter from approximately 200 students of SNDP Higher Secondary School. The letter revealed that their school, situated below sea level in Kainakary Grama Panchayat within the Kuttanad district of Alappuzha, has been inundated for more than a month.
The students highlighted that due to intense rainfall over the last 45 days, 20 classrooms have been flooded up to the windowsill level.
Currently, classes are being held in just 4 rooms that remain dry, including the library and computer lab.
Despite numerous requests to the authorities, the situation remains unchanged.
In response to the letter, the bench issued an interim order instructing the District Collector to convene a joint meeting with relevant officials.
"The District Collector will assemble officers from the Education Department, Agriculture Department, and school representatives to assess the situation and provide necessary directives to address the students' concerns," stated the order, with a follow-up scheduled for July 31 to review the action taken.
Additionally, the court directed the Collector to investigate whether other schools in the vicinity face similar issues, indicating a broader examination of the situation if necessary.
The court also appointed an amicus curiae to assist in the proceedings and included the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) as a respondent, directing the District Legal Services Authority to conduct an investigation and report back.
This firm stance follows a tragic incident last week at a state-aided school in Alappuzha, where a 13-year-old student, Mithun, lost his life due to electrocution while retrieving his shoes from a shed.
The aftermath of the incident sparked a blame game among the involved authorities.
Point of View
We recognize the plight of these students as reflective of broader systemic issues in flood management and education infrastructure in India. The Kerala High Court's proactive involvement underscores the need for urgent reforms to prevent such occurrences and ensure safe learning environments for all students.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Kerala High Court to take action?
The court acted in response to a letter from 200 students highlighting that their school has been submerged for over a month due to heavy rainfall.
What steps has the court ordered?
The court directed the District Collector to hold a joint meeting with relevant officials to assess the situation and provide necessary remedies.
Are there other schools affected in the area?
The court has instructed the Collector to investigate if other schools in the vicinity are experiencing similar issues.
What was the tragic incident related to this case?
A 13-year-old student was electrocuted at a state-aided school in Alappuzha while trying to retrieve his shoes from a shed.
How can this situation impact educational policies?
This incident may prompt a reevaluation of infrastructure and safety measures in schools, particularly in flood-prone areas.
