look news india
News India Live, Digital Desk: Madras High Court has put the administration in the dock by making very harsh remarks on the education system and safety of schools. While hearing the case of the tragic death of a small girl student studying in UKG in the school premises, the court said that schools are now looking less like temples of education and more like ‘business centres’. This comment of Justice has raised big question marks on the functioning of private schools across the country and the claims of safety of children.
Innocent life is worth nothing?
The case pertains to a private school, where a UKG student lost her life due to security lapse. Taking cognizance of this incident, the court said that parents leave their children in the trust of schools, but school managements are only interested in charging huge fees. The court made it clear that if any untoward incident happens to a child inside the school premises, it will be the direct responsibility of the school management. It cannot be dismissed as just an ‘accident’.
‘Marketization of education’ poses a threat to children
During the hearing, the court expressed deep concern over the fact that nowadays schools are focused only on infrastructure and advertisements, while safety norms are being ignored. Madras High Court said that educational institutions have to understand their responsibilities. Such carelessness towards the safety of children will not be tolerated at all. The court asked in a stern tone whether these schools want to fill their coffers only by compromising the safety of innocent children?
Need for security audit and strict rules
The High Court directed the government and concerned departments to make safety audit mandatory in schools. Just making rules on paper will not save the lives of innocent people. The court demanded that every school should have emergency medical arrangements and trained staff, so that such tragic incidents can be prevented in time. There have also been indications of strict legal action against the officials and school management found guilty in this case.
Huge anger among parents, demand for justice
There is an atmosphere of fear and anger among the parents after this tragic incident. Seeking justice for the victim’s family, the court clarified that compensation does not bring back anyone’s life, but it is necessary to set an example so that this does not happen to any other innocent person in future. This decision can prove to be a milestone in the future to curb the arbitrariness of private schools.