Officials summoned over Class 2 boy’s plea on dilapidated panchayat school building

The Madras High Court on taking stock of a plea moved on behalf of a Class 2 student about the abysmal condition of Minjur Panchayat Union Primary School, where she is studying, directed the Chief Educational Officer (CEO), Tiruvallur District, District Educational Officer, Ponneri Education District and the Assistant Elementary Educational Officer, Minjur Panchayat Union to appear before it in person.

A division bench comprising Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice N Seshasayee on seeing the photographs of the school took strong exception to it remaining in such a state despite repeated representations. On observing that while efforts are on to ensure even cattle sheds are neat and safe, the bench said it is unfortunate that a school is functioning in such abysmal conditions posing a grave danger to the childrenstudying there.

While summoning the district education officials to be present before them on October 16, the bench directed the Director, Elementary Education Department to file a status report on thecomplaint made.

R B Adhigaimutharasi (7), represented by her father A E Baskaran, had submitted that the school had come into being in 1964 adjoining the compound of Arulimigu Agatheeswarar Temple at Ponneri in around 2.21 acres of land. But despite the availability of land the school functions in an old dilapidated building posing a grave danger to students. Moreover, while the area surrounding the school is being used as a resting place by the public, the building turns out to be a den for illegal activities after the school hours. That apart, the school verandah is used by beggars as a shelter, the petitioner said. He further noted that a representation was made on February 22, 2019 to all the district and education authorities about the pathetic condition of school building, the unhealthy atmosphere prevailing outside the school and the poor standard of education being imparted.

Thereafter, my daughter and I had met the Revenue Divisional officer in person on March 5 and the same was sent to several district authorities. Following this, another representation was made on March 25. But with nothing concrete coming forth except for the CEO seeking for a report, they had no choice but to move the court,Baskaran said.