Rachith drowning case: Bachpan school sealed after student's death

HYDERABAD: In the aftermath of the death of three-year-old Nama Shiva Rachith, the department of education has cracked down on Bachpan Playschool, Malkajgiri, for not abiding by the rules and safety norms laid down by the government. A nine-foot deep water sump was left uncovered despite it being located dangerously close to the children’s play area.

The Playschool has been sealed and shut down by the District Education Officer (DEO), and its license has been cancelled.

Medchal DEO A. Usha Rani said, “The decision was taken after reading the report submitted to me by the Mandal Education Officer (MEO). It indicated gross negligence on the part of the school authorities. The callous attitude of the school in registering the child’s absence is worrying. Therefore, it cannot function as a Playschool any longer as children will be at risk.”

The school reportedly had about 200 students. Worried parents are demanding that alternate arrangements be made for their wards. 

Ms Sangeeta Surinder, a parent, says, “It is nearly December; more than half the academic year is over. The annual fee, including transport, was almost '50,000, and there is no talk of a refund.”

Some parents say that they had to pay donations to secure admission, and they will have to do so once more for some other Playschool to accept their children mid-academic year.

“The school only had pre-primary students. Since pre-primary students do not follow an official syllabus, they can surely get admission elsewhere. The government is not organising any alternative,” said Ms Usha Rani.

An official from the school said that if the government authorities found that the school was at fault, they were willing to bear the punishment. 

Earlier this week, the principal, the security in-charge and the counsellor of the school were arrested for negligence.

Parents associations have decided to submit a representation seeking a safety audit of schools.