The Hindu : National : 'Best treatment given to school fire victims'

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Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004

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'Best treatment given to school fire victims'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JULY 19. The Tamil Nadu Government has reported that the best possible treatment has been made available to the surviving victims of the fire that swept through a private school in Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district on July 16 in which 90 children lost their lives and 19 sustained injuries.

Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha today, the Minister of State for Home, S. Reghupathy, said that teams of burns specialists from Chennai and other eminent hospitals in the State had been sent to Kumbakonam to treat the survivors. Nineteen children were undergoing treatment at the Kumbakonam Government hospital and the Thanjavur Medical College hospital.

"These specialists are giving the best possible treatment to the children who suffered burn injuries. Two injured children who are in need of skin grafting and specialised care have been brought to Chennai for further treatment at the Apollo Hospital by eminent plastic surgeons," the Minister told the House.

Clarifications on the statement were marked by exchanges as the AIADMK members including, Gokul Indira, objected to certain critical remarks against the State Government by members belonging to other parties. The Chair repeatedly intervened saying that the issue should not be politicised and that the members should restrict themselves to asking pointed clarifications.

Seeking assurance that all steps would be taken to ensure that such tragedy did not occur in future, the members wanted to know how recognition was granted to the school and whether it met the prescribed norms. They sought to know whether the norms needed to be modified. They wanted to know whether action had been taken against the officials who granted recognition to the school and whether the school was properly inspected before doing so.

The State Government has ordered an intensive inspection of all schools in the State immediately to ascertain and ensure the maintenance of safety standards.

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