Why is the Kerala government conducting an infrastructure audit in schools?
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Synopsis
After the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy from electrocution, Kerala's Education Department is launching a comprehensive infrastructure audit of schools. This proactive measure aims to enhance safety standards and prevent future accidents, amidst rising protests against negligence from authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Thorough audits are essential for school safety.
- Immediate action has been taken following the tragedy.
- Political reactions highlight community concerns about safety.
- Safety regulations must be strictly enforced in schools.
- Ongoing investigations may lead to further accountability.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 21 (NationPress) Following the tragic incident where a 13-year-old Class 8 student named Mithun lost his life due to electrocution while trying to retrieve his shoes from the rooftop of his school, the Kerala Education Department announced on Monday a comprehensive audit of school infrastructure.
An electric wire was suspended over the shed that Mithun climbed, and during his fall, he unfortunately touched the live wire, resulting in his immediate death.
State Education Minister V. Sivankutty informed the press that this statewide audit of educational facilities will commence from July 25 to July 31.
"A high-level meeting of Education officials is scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the guidelines for the audit," Sivankutty remarked.
The education system in Kerala encompasses government schools, aided institutions (where the state government pays salaries but management handles appointments), and unaided schools.
The audit will initially target the aided institutions, followed by state-run schools, and lastly, the unaided sector.
In the wake of Mithun's shocking demise last week, both the Congress-led UDF and the BJP have protested vigorously against the perceived negligence by state authorities.
During Sivankutty's media briefing in Alappuzha district at Karthikapally, a protest erupted as reporters captured images of a dilapidated building, which officials claimed was closed, while locals disputed this assertion.
Responding to the disturbances at Karthikapally, Sivankutty stated that there is no need to obstruct media coverage.
"The media plays a crucial role in highlighting issues, and there is no reason to direct anger towards them. Officials will address the situation concerning the Karthikapally school," he added.
Despite the announcement of the upcoming audit, it is mandatory for all schools to undergo an audit by local village council authorities before the start of each academic year, including the school where Mithun tragically passed away.
The fitness certificate was issued, even though the electric line had been in place for the past eight years since the shed's construction.
The school principal has been suspended for failing to comply with safety regulations, while the management, aligned with the CPI-M, has yet to face repercussions.
Local police have initiated an investigation, and officials from the local Electricity Board and village council may also be implicated.
The school is set to reopen on Tuesday following the incident.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize the need for accountability in educational safety. The tragic loss of young Mithun serves as a grim reminder of the imperative to ensure that our schools are safe environments for learning. The Kerala government's proactive audit is a necessary step towards safeguarding our future generations. We must advocate for higher standards and stricter adherence to safety regulations in all educational facilities.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the death of the 13-year-old boy?
The boy died after coming into contact with a live electric wire while retrieving his shoes from the rooftop at his school.
When will the infrastructure audit take place?
The audit will commence from July 25 to July 31.
What sectors will the audit cover?
The audit will begin with aided institutions, followed by state-run schools and then the unaided sector.
What has been the reaction of political parties?
The Congress-led UDF and BJP have both protested against the perceived negligence by state authorities.
What actions have been taken against the school management?
The school principal has been suspended, and the management aligned with CPI-M has yet to face consequences.
