Should the NCSC Investigate the TN School Tragedy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The tragic death of a student highlights significant safety issues in Tamil Nadu schools.
- The BJP is advocating for accountability from the School Education Department.
- Calls for NCSC intervention emphasize the need for a thorough investigation.
- Demands include compensation for the victim's family and government job assurances.
- Concerns over inadequate infrastructure are not new and require immediate attention.
Chennai, Dec 17 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu BJP has called for a suo motu intervention by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) regarding the tragic death of a Class 7 student from the Scheduled Caste community who died due to a wall collapse at a government school in Tiruvallur district. The BJP accuses the State’s School Education Department of severe negligence.
According to BJP Tamil Nadu spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad, the incident that claimed the life of 12-year-old S. Mohith (also known as Rohit), a first-generation learner from Kondapuram Colony in R.K. Pettai, signifies a grave violation of Article 21 of the Constitution and showcases the DMK government's criminal neglect.
The party contends that inadequate maintenance of school infrastructure, despite numerous alerts and media coverage, was a direct cause of this catastrophe.
They have urged the police to file criminal charges, including culpable negligence, against officials from the district administration and the School Education Department responsible for the safety and upkeep of the school grounds.
The BJP has also called on the NCSC to undertake an independent investigation into the incident and pursue strict action, emphasizing the victim’s vulnerable social status.
Additionally, the party demands that School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi accept moral responsibility for the tragedy, resign, personally meet with the grieving family, issue a formal apology, provide compensation of Rs one crore, and secure a government job for a family member.
Highlighting what it considers a trend of administrative failures, the BJP referenced previous incidents, such as the collapse of a wall at Anjur Government Higher Secondary School in Chengalpattu earlier this month, a classroom balcony wall failure at a government primary school in Palani in 2024, and a 2021 incident in Tirunelveli where a school toilet wall collapse resulted in the deaths of three students.
The party has accused senior officials in the School Education Department of trying to minimize or conceal reports that reveal unsafe school infrastructure, insufficient drinking water and sanitation facilities, and deteriorating buildings in rural areas.
They are advocating for disciplinary measures against the Director of School Education, citing misplaced priorities and a disregard for safety concerns.
Urging Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take action, the BJP is calling for immediate administrative reforms, increased funding for school infrastructure, and rigorous inspections of all government schools. They also propose the incorporation of moral and value education to tackle escalating issues related to indiscipline and violence in schools.
The state government has yet to respond comprehensively to the BJP’s demands.