Wary parents approach education minister about temporary shed, school claims it safe

Thane: A group of parents have raised concerns over the stability of a temporary shed erected on the terrace of a city-based school fearing it could harm the students who often used the area for extra-curricular activities. The school administration has claimed otherwise and said the structure was completely safe.

Parents of dozens of students studying in the Brahmand-based Rainbow

International

School were wary of the weather shed constructed a few months back by the school. The

wary parents

were shocked to see the temporary structure when they visited the premise recently and feared it could be a huge safety hazard for students who access it regularly for extra-curricular activities.

“The shed could collapse or some of the rods may give way and lead to serious injuries to the students,” said a concerned parent.

While few parents had initially approached the school regarding the same, they later alerted the India-Wide Parents Association seeking their assistance in dealing with the issue. The association sought images of the structure from the parents and once convinced, immediately wrote to various education departments asking them to look into this matter urgently as the school is set to reopen on Friday.

“Building a temporary shed in a school was a violation of several safety norms including the child safety guidelines among others. The temporary structure could be a safety hazard for students who access the terrace area for extra-curricular activities. We have written to the NCPCR, the

education minister

, the Maharashtra State Child Right’s Commission and the HRD ministry to conduct an inspection and take the necessary action,” said Anubha Sahai, president of this association.

When contacted, the school authorities claimed the work on the shed was constructed in accordance with the safety norms.

“The safety of our students is our first priority and the structure was put up as a shield against heat and rain. The structure is extremely safe and the area is used only for dance and extra-curricular activities. We are surprised the parents are worried about this. They should have come to us first,” said Amrita Pereira, spokesperson of the school.

The safety of our students is our first priority and the structure was put up as a shield against heat and rain. The structure is extremely safe and the area is used only for dance & extra-curricular activities