The school authorities, including principals in South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), may face the music for non-functional fans, water coolers and RO purifiers in its schools. With summer reaching its peak, SDMC has decided to conduct surprise inspection in its schools to take stock of preparations for the summer. Senior leaders of the South Delhi Corporation have directed the Education Department officials to ensure these cooling gadgets are in proper working condition so that students do not face any discomfort during the scorching heat.
“It is mandatory during summers that fans, air coolers, water coolers and RO purifiers in schools are in order and adequate drinking water is provided to schoolchildren. The senior officials of the Education Department are required to inspect the schools and ensure these basic arrangements are made,” said Satish Upadhyay, chairman of the Standing Committee in South Delhi Municipal Corporation. He has also directed the officials to prepare a zone-wise status report of all schools within three days so that the concerned officials can conduct surprise inspection of the schools.
“Senior leaders, including Mayor, the chairman of education committee and officers of the Education Department will conduct surprise inspection of the schools. If these facilities are found to be missing, strict action will be taken against the concerned persons including the principal. There will be zero tolerance towards any discomfort to students,” Upadhyay said.
The issue of pure drinking water in schools had come to notice last year after impurities were found in mid-day meal samples and water tanks in the municipality run schools. Swinging into action, the officials had directed installation of RO water purifiers and water coolers in schools. Just over 300 primary schools in Delhi have RO water purification system installed while children in remaining 900 schools have no option but to use tap water. However, taking note of this, the civic bodies procured water purifiers. Officials claimed all schools in their jurisdiction have been equipped with these gadgets.