The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Kumbakonam tragedy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Kumbakonam tragedy

Sir, — The fire that claimed 90 lives in a Kumbakonam private school is another example of the utter disregard of the authorities to rules. It is the policies of various governments that have led to education becoming an industry in our country.

P.R.V. Raja,
Pandalam, Kerala

* * *

Sir, — This refers to the `compensation' and `relief' announced by the Centre and the State Governments to the families of the children killed and injured. What the families need now are mental support and consolation. Also, it is unfair to use the taxpayers' money for giving such `compensations.'

Noor Ahmed,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The tragedy should prompt all States to inspect each and every school. Otherwise, it will only be a matter of time before another tragedy strikes. Merely suspending officials without learning any lessons is not going to help.

A. Jetti,
Glasgow, U.K.

* * *

Sir, — Thousands of precious lives can be saved every day if only the existing laws are strictly enforced. There is no use blaming one another after a tragedy if suitable lessons are not learnt and remedial measures taken.

A.V.A. Eswaran,
Bikaner, Rajasthan

* * *

Sir, — The behaviour of the teachers was appalling. The Education Department, the school management and the teachers not only failed in their profession but also in their duty towards humanity. It is thus our fellow human beings who have failed us and brought shame on the whole country.

Ruby Jaspreet,
Chandigarh

* * *

Sir, — While it really hurts to read that the teachers took to their heels first, it is heartening to learn about the supreme sacrifice of the stonemason who died in his attempt to save five children.

Fiona Fernando,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — I refer to the pulling down of schools with thatched roofs. Such accidents will recur even after the thatched roofs are replaced. Periodical fire evacuation drills should be made compulsory in all schools and colleges. And failure to comply should be made a cognisable offence.

P.K. Biswas,
Mumbai

* * *

Sir, — As one who has studied in a Kumbakonam school which is still having a thatched roof, I do not agree with the idea of banning such schools which are part of the Indian culture (parnashalas). The solution lies in the implementation of safety norms with regular safety audit and fire safety drills for teachers and students.

K.V. Pathy,
Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — The parents who put their children in such schools are poor and semi-literate. All they want is a decent education. They are not in a position to understand whether a thatched roof is safer or not, whether a fire extinguisher should be installed or not, and whether schools have proper facilities or not.

Srinivasan Venkatraman,
Arkansas, U.S.

* * *

Sir, — In a country where the government is not able to provide quality education to all, it is but natural for private schools to mushroom in large numbers. The schools should be regulated properly. Harsh, short-term measures and closures will only affect the students in rural areas.

D. Ramamoorthy,
Erode, T.N.

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