Hyderabad: There are several nursery schools in Hyderabad operating from multi-storied buildings with or without elevator facilities. Many schools do not have adequate safety measures and do not meet the safety standards instructed by authorities.
Child rights activists say the safety of small children are at stake if they have to climb or take elevators to multiple floors every day.
As per the Andhra Pradesh Educational Institutions (Establishment, recognition, administration, and control of schools under private Management) Rules, 1993, schools must have safety measures as per the standards of National Building Code for Educational Institutions, and Indian Standards Code (S:8827.1978).
The codes instruct standard norms for the width and rise of corridors, staircases, and floor space. They also explain fire protection norms and other basic safety features. However, many playschools ignore such norms because there are no regulatory bodies to keep a watch on them.
“As per the rules of 1993, pre primary schools should get a structural soundness certificate of the school building and premises and produce an occupancy certificate from the concerned authorities.
They also should have a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the police department (traffic) and municipal corporation or municipality. But there are many pre-primary schools in the city running without any such certificates,” said an official from the district education department.
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