Representative Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi / Biju C
Kozhikode: Many schools in the state are set to reopen on June 1 without clarity over fitness certificate. Despite being a significant factor in ensuring the safety of students and teachers, fitness inspections are often carried out only for namesake. As per rules, all schools are supposed to receive fitness certification ahead of reopening. However, several schools in the state are yet to carry out even the inspections.
The notification of the education department to apply for fitness certification was released in May first week. Accordingly, an application has to be submitted before the assistant engineers of the local self-government bodies along with last year's fitness certificate, last year's plan of the school building and this year's plan.
As per the law, engineers should directly visit the school, verify the safety requirements and issue the certificate. If a new building is being constructed near the school, then the new plan should also be included in the application. However, as one assistant engineer has to carry out inspections at various schools, the procedures get delayed.
Since engineers fail to carry out inspections at all the concerned schools within a limited time span, several schools are issued fitness certificates based on previous year’s fitness tests. In most cases, DEOs and DDEs receive accurate data on the number of schools lacking certificates, only on the sixth working day.
Meanwhile, allegations are rife that teachers are often forced to go after the certification paperworks as they will receive salary for the month of June only if the schools are granted certification.
The rule mandates that school buildings undergo an annual inspection due to the potential loss of structural integrity and other issues that may arise over time. These inspections evaluate the dimensions (length, width, and height) of the classrooms, ventilation systems, and toilet facilities.
RELATED STORIES
.jpg?$p=7aea10f&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
.jpg?$p=24dc233&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
