PWD civil engineers to inspect State-run school buildings in all districts

The School Education Department move came against the backdrop of notice issued by State Human Rights Commission after a government school building was collapsed in The Nilgiris district due to the monsoon rains.

A senior official from the Directorate of School Education said that a report has been sought from all the district education offices to find out school building that are more than 20 years old and submit a detailed report of damages and repairs that are to be undertaken.

Stating that the report will be submitted to the minister for approval, he said repair and maintenance work will commence once it is approved.

According to official, the district education officers have been instructed to form a team and inspect schools in their respective areas immediately.

“In addition, the management of government and aided schools in all the 34 districts have also been told to inspect their respective institutions and submit a report about the damages caused,” the official said.

According to him, most of the damage in buildings and compound walls of the schools was caused by uprooted trees during the rain.

The official said that the local body officials will work along with PWD officials to carry out repair works.

“If the buildings are damaged beyond repair, new construction will be carried out,” he said adding, “Even painting of the schools will be undertaken.”

He said apart from carrying out repair works, the authorities have been instructed to ensure that even class rooms are inspected periodically.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education issued circular to all schools to ensure safety of the students. Accordingly, the order, said that students should not be allowed near construction work in the school premises.

All the wells including unused ones, water tanks and drainage wells should be properly closed to ensure safety of the students. Similarly, bore wells should also be properly closed.

The management of the schools were also instructed to create awareness during the parents-teachersassociation meeting.