Gujarat education dept seeks fire-safety stats of state schools

Last week’s Rajkot fire tragedy has roused the education department, spurring it to finally follow up on a fire-safety circular issued to the state’s schools almost three years ago. 

The department has now demanded that schools respond to the circular by June 2. 

The circular, issued on June 5, 2021, mandated that all schools must:

• submit a no-objection certificate from the fire department if their buildings are taller than 9 metres;
• submit a self-declaration if their buildings are shorter than 9 metres;
• provide photographs detailing the state of the construction;
• avoid functioning if in a dilapidated condition so as to minimise risks to students;
• provide photographs to prove that barricades and no-entry boards have been put up around areas in which any construction/renovation is being carried out; and
• inform the authorities in case any high-voltage lines or open wires run through the school premises, and seek their removal.  

The circular also places the onus for students’ safety squarely with school authorities—principals and cluster resource centres—in the case of any untoward incidents. It also warns of legal action in the case of such incidents that put students at risk. However, it adds that district education officers would provide schools with guidance on the issue, both in writing and through video conference when needed. 

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