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Removal of thatched sheds ordered

By Our Staff Reporter

PONDICHERRY, JULY 19. The Education Minister, K. Lakshminarayanan, today told the Assembly that the Directorate of Education had issued orders to all schools, including private ones, to immediately remove thatched sheds and provide full-fledged facilities. Till this was done, classes functioning in the sheds could be held either on rented premises or through a shift system.

Following the Kumbakonam school fire, which claimed 90 lives, the Union Territory Administration is taking preventive measures.

Private schools have been directed to dismantle thatched sheds and construct safe structures to run classes. If the managements failed to follow the orders the department would withdraw recognition. The schools should report to the Government in a month's time the steps taken by them.

The authorities found that 561 classrooms were housed in thatched sheds in government schools. They would be replaced with pucca structures in a year.

Mr. Lakshminarayanan said the Government had already constituted a multi-disciplinary committee comprising officers of the departments of Education, Fire Service and Public Works to monitor the situation.

Kitchens should also be housed in safe buildings. The committees would also ensure other safety aspects in school buildings.

The Chief Minister, N. Rangasamy, told the House that Rs. 10 crores would be spent on a war-footing to raise proper buildings in government schools.

Earlier the members cutting across party lines insisted that full-fledged safety measures should be taken in schools.

A. Anbalagan of the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam said the 400-odd anganwadi centres were functioning in thatched sheds and should be provided building facilities.

R. Siva of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam said the anganwadi centres were functioning in private sites and only a meagre amount was paid as rent to land owners. The Government should enhance the rent to Rs. 1,000.

The Leader of the Opposition, R.V. Janakiraman (DMK), said there should be no ceiling on rent as it might differ from place to place. Area-specific rent should be fixed for accommodating the anganwadi centres.

M.A.S. Subramanian (DMK) said that as the Government was keen about getting buildings ready for the safety of schools, there should be no redtapism in sanctioning funds for the purpose.

S.P. Sivakumar (DMK) said that one could see big transformers erected close to schools. Steps should be taken to shift them to safer places.

Homage paid

All the members paid homage for a couple of minutes in memory of the Kumbakonam fire victims. As soon as the House resumed sitting, the Speaker, M.D.R. Ramachandran, made an obituary reference to the death of the children and said the tragedy had come as a rude shock to everyone. He said the House condoled the death of the children and conveyed its grief to the bereaved parents and relatives.

The House was adjourned for 30 minutes and reassembled at 10 a.m. for taking up scheduled business.

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