The Jharkhand High Court lamented the laxity vis-à-vis fire safety precautions in schools and hostels in the State and questioned the authorities regarding the preparations that are in place to avoid an outbreak of fires. In a hearing held recently, the court has asked the state government and the education department to report on what measures have been put in place to make the education institutions and the residential hostels safe. The move is an indication of increasing concern about fire accidents in schools and hostels around the country, with the safety norms that must be followed being emphasized as well.
The questions asked by the court targeted some of the most important areas, namely the availability of legal fire safety certificates by schools and hostel rooms and the existence of emergency appliances like fire extinguishers and consequential alarms, as well as the porosity of safe exits. Moreover, the court also required information on whether the fire department is carrying out regular inspections and whether mock drills and awareness programs on how to handle emergencies are being done for students and staff.
Pointing to the defenselessness of children and young adults in cases of emergencies, the High Court stressed that safety should not be judged in any case. The bench directed the authorities to submit a detailed report outlining the present condition of fire safety and what measures have been taken to enforce compliance worldwide in all the schools in the state.
The education and fire department officials will probably give an affidavit in order to clarify the safety measures that were in place at the time, the number of inspections carried out, and the measures being taken against those who do not adhere to the stipulated norms. Institutions not complying with the regulations of fire clearance might be fined, given a stern warning, or they might even close until they achieve the requirements.
The ruling by the High Court is considered a pre-emptive measure in enhancing standards of safety and responsibility on the part of the school and hostel management. According to experts, educational institutions tend to ignore the concept of fire safety and inefficient emergency plans, as well as under-maintained fire safety devices, are extremely hazardous. By requesting the government to provide detailed information, the court will help avoid possible disasters and establish the systematic monitoring of safety observance.
Parents and custodians have hailed the court in tackling this matter with a call on the government to put in quick measures. Student lives are at stake, and having the High Court intervene is likely to prompt the state government to make greater safety checks and awareness programs to ensure that schools and student hostels become safer learning and residential places.
