Chennai: Liquor shops in vicinity of schools cause worry

CHENNAI: With less than a month left for schools to reopen after summer break, educational institutions in several parts of the city are hoping against hope that shutters would be down on Tasmac shops at least before the next academic session beginning next month.

These institutions want liquor shops that are located very close their premises to be shifted to more interior areas like those on the state and national highways. Though the institutions have been pleading with Tasmac and state government officials for shifting of these liquor outlets, those managing them are little hopeful this year around since they feel there would a change of heart given the Supreme Court coming down harsh on administrations that promote sale of liquor.

Educational institutions in Tambaram, Selaiyur, Perambur, Avadi, Saidapet, Vyasarpadi, Nungambakkam, Peravallur and Sembakkam complain of liquor shops being in proximity to their premises – located as close as 200 meters to 250 meters.

Though 300 shops located close to educational institutions were closed last year, these escaped the axe. School and college authorities say liquor shops in close proximity affects the admission rate, as parents do not want to risk their child’s future.

“These shops in vicinity of the school have affected students. There have been many incidents of liquor bottles being found in bags of students, even that of students of class 9th.  Such incidents have highlighted the need for strong actions against this,” said V. Raju, Principal of CSI Corley Higher Secondary School in Tambaram.

Concurring with Mr Raju, Eshwari, principal of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Ashok Nagar,  is hopeful that the liquor shop near her institution would finally be closed.

“We advise students to stay away from alcohol and tobacco but we can’t protect them every time. If the shops are close by, it becomes worse. Students have to deal with the unnecessary consequences, which can be avoided, if the shops are removed,” she said.

Principals and administrators of other institutions told Deccan Chronicle that they have written afresh to the police and state administration demanding that these shops be closed.

Students of many other schools including the John Mark Matriculation School in Selaiyur, Zion school in Nanmangalam, Kendriya Vidyalaya in Choolaimedu talk about anti-social elements being a big nuisance to them.

Keerthana, a student of John Mark School in Tambaram, says, “The 100 meters range serves no purpose, drunkards usually lie around the school compounds, and they even throw liquor bottles near our premises. This raises questions about our safety and security.”

Few schools with tasmac shops nearby

• Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Peravallur - 120 meters from compound wall
• John Mark Matriculation School in Selaiyur- 150 meters from school compound
• Zion school in Nanmangalam- 200 meters from school
• Kendriya Vidyalaya in Choolaimedu - 250 meters from school
• Bharat University in Tambaram- 150 meters from main gate
• Government Higher Secondary School in Sembakkam - 250 meters from campus
• CSI Corley Higher Secondary School in Tambaram- 200 meters from campus