The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : CBI probe sought into school fire

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 23, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

CBI probe sought into school fire

By Our Staff Reporter

KUMBAKONAM, JULY 22. Political leaders and representatives of various organisations continue to visit the Kumbakonam Government hospital to see the children who suffered burns in the July 16 school fire.

Thol. Tirumavalavan, Dalit Panthers of India leader, called for nationalisation of all private schools and demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Nationalisation of schools was the answer to mushrooming of private schools and commercialisation of education, he said.

The Puthiya Tamizhagam leader, Krishnaswamy, wanted the Government to take over the administration of all schools. The State Government should specify that thatched roofs in schools be replaced with concrete structures and not with asbestos and tiles, he said.

He said it was not enough to take action on the officials who are in power now.

As the school existed for nearly 50 years now, the role of officials in the past should also be probed for according permission to the school.

Mr. Krishnaswamy said on behalf of Puthiya Tamizhagam Rs. 2 lakhs had been announced for providing solatium to the kin of the victims.

Govt. efforts lauded

Rama Gopalan of Hindu Munnani appreciated the services of the doctors, the Collector and the steps taken by the Government in providing relief.

Indrani Datto Samuvel, wife of Datto Samuvel, Malaysian PWD Minister, visited the hospital and presented medicines and food items to the injured children.

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