SUMP CAN’T BE NEAR PLAY AREA: DEO

IN

A. Usha Rani, district educational officer of Medchal, stated that she was saddened at the death of the two-year-old at Bachpan play school, Malkajgiri, on the occasion of Children’s’ Day.

She said, “According to the government rules, any underground water sump should be covered and precautionary measures should be taken. It cannot be close to the play area in play schools.”

She further stated that the school’s claim of having a dedicated nanny for each student is not a rule set by the government. “The school’s negligence to note the absence of the student is serious. According to government order, each class should have one ayah.”

She also said that strong action will be taken against the school after inspection by the MEO.

R. Srinivas, the MEO of Malkajgiri, who conducted the inspection, will submit the report on Wednesday. He said, “I will definitely inspect all play schools to ensure that such incident does not happen again. The report of all schools will be submitted next month.” “Bye nanna (bye daddy),” were the last words Rachith spoke to his father, Nama Anil Kumar, after he dropped him at the school on Tuesday morning. Mr Anil, who is into catering businesses, said that he put his child in this institution thinking that it was the best in the area and was also close to home.

As many of Rachith’s friends were studying in Bachpan, Mr Anil also wanted his child to study with them, this was another reason for Anil to choose this school.

“Though he is two-anda-half-years old now, he could not develop speech. So we thought he could mingle with other kids and become active and improve his speaking skills,” said Mr Anil.

He recollected how his family went for shopping on Monday night to purchase a new dress for their elder daughter, who is celebrating her birthday on coming Sunday.

“More than me and my wife, my daughter is attached to Rachith. I do not know how to tell her the truth. She is not aware that her loving brother has left us,” he added. Seven-year-old Ananya is studying in a private school.

“Though Mr Anil’s financial condition did not support, just for the love of his son, he purchased a new car on installment,” said a relative. He had sold his earlier car due to cash crisis.