High Court Raises Concerns Over Student Safety in Uttar Pradesh Schools

Concerns Over School Infrastructure and Safety

Lucknow, August 3 - The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of students in schools across the state. The court highlighted that dilapidated buildings and non-structural hazards pose significant risks to children's safety. This statement came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by the Gomti River Bank Residents Welfare Association.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that high-tension power lines run over approximately 4,000 schools in the state, creating a potential danger for students. In response, the court directed the Managing Director of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) to be included as a party in the case.

The bench referenced incidents such as the collapse of a building at a primary school in Jaunpur and the death of a student due to a falling iron gate at a school under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Lucknow. The court emphasized the urgent need to ensure the safety of educational institutions. Additionally, the issue of safe transportation for children via school buses and vans was raised.

It was reported that out of 2,370 school vehicle drivers, 527 had adverse police verification reports under the Mission Bharosa initiative, according to the transport department. The court stated that background checks for drivers must be mandatory, and school managements should exercise utmost diligence in this regard. The Lucknow police informed the court that CCTV cameras would be installed at school entrances.

The court has instructed that details regarding the number of cameras and their estimated costs be presented by the next hearing. Furthermore, it was mentioned that the standard operating procedure (SOP) concerning student safety is in its final stages and will be submitted to the court in the next session. The bench expressed hope that the state government and relevant agencies would prioritize the safety of children.