HYDERABAD: Students of as many as 1,350 schools in the twin cities have to cross roads near their schools without zebra crossings, while students of 716 schools do not have sufficient escorts to school.

These were just two of the violation of norms that came to light during an inspection of 1,477 schools taken up by the Director of School Education (DSE), Hyderabad, following a directive from a Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday. The bench, in the wake of a writ petition, had directed District Educational Officers (DEO) through out the State to inspect schools and submit a status report of fulfilment of norms like availability of zebra crossings, school escorts, adequate accommodation, fire extinguishers, play area and water facility among others by the schools, apart from asking them to submit a report on safe transportation availability to students.

Other violations include non-provision of fire extinguishers in 1,214 schools while 777 did not have play areas. While 637 lacked adequate laboratory facilities, 520 did not have proper libraries. The DSE, in the report submitted to the High Court said there were 2,769 recognised schools in the twin cities, including 1,948 private schools and 821 Government institutions.

Inspection in 1,477 schools was over while that in the rest was in progress. The DSE also pointed out that there were deviations in adherence of statutory norms both in Government and private schools under private managements.

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