Safety remains a matter of concern in aided, Tamil Nadu government schools

Private schools say the norms are significantly relaxed for government and aided schools which cater for a majority of children

July 31, 2014 11:07 am | Updated November 16, 2021 08:12 pm IST - COIMBATORE

In the decade since the Kumbakonam school fire tragedy, safety and security in private self-financing schools have improved considerably, thanks to a host of new safety norms and their strict implementation. Yet, it remains a matter of concern.

Making this claim, private schools say the norms are, however, significantly relaxed for government and aided schools which cater for a majority of children in Tamil Nadu. Officials of the School Education Department also agree with this view. They point out that the Kumbakonam fire occurred in a government-aided school.

Government schools do not have to renew recognition, which private schools must do every three years. While private schools face the threat of closure if they violate the norms, aided schools are given a long rope, say the officials.

All private schools have to obtain certification for fire safety, structural stability and sanitation, besides a building licence, from four government departments once in three years. Compliance is monitored strictly, and the norms are enforced with an iron fist by the School Education Department.

The recognition of private schools found violating the norms is withheld. Forty-eight private primary and nursery schools were closed this year in Coimbatore, besides 30 last year, for their failure to obtain/renew recognition.

While government-aided schools must also obtain these certificates, a senior official told The Hindu here on Wednesday that they rarely faced the threat of closure and were only given notice.

In aided schools, the salary of the teachers is met by the government which also gives funds for school maintenance. Closing down a school means the government will have to make alternative arrangements for the teachers and students.

This was not the case with the private schools as parents were expected to verify whether a school has obtained recognition before admitting their wards, the official said.

As a result, only when a management expressed its inability to comply with the norms would the government take over the school.

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