Ahmedabad School Penalized for Negligence in Camphor Prank Case
In a concerning incident at Shri Durga Vidyalaya in Maninagar, Ahmedabad, the district education officer (DEO) has taken strict action against the school for negligence. The Ahmedabad City DEO, Rohit Chaudhary, issued a show-cause notice and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the institution. This penalty stems from a prank involving camphor pellets that was not promptly reported to authorities, raising serious questions about student safety protocols.
Details of the Camphor Prank Incident
According to official sources, the incident occurred on January 28, when a Class 6 student, following a minor argument, allegedly dropped camphor pellets into a classmate's water bottle as a prank. When the affected student attempted to drink from the bottle, a foul smell was noticed, prompting immediate concern. The bottle was shown to classmates and a teacher, leading to swift action to ensure the student's well-being.
The student was taken to a hospital along with a guardian for a medical examination. Fortunately, the examination confirmed that no harmful substance was consumed, and the student's health was reported as stable. However, the incident highlighted potential risks in school environments and the need for vigilant oversight.
School's Response and Investigation Findings
A review of CCTV footage later revealed another student from the same class placing something into the water bottle. The next day, the parents of both students were called to the school, where the act was reportedly admitted. In response, the school decided to shift the student responsible for the act to another class and later placed the student on leave as a disciplinary measure.
Despite these internal actions, the school failed to inform the DEO's office about the matter. The incident came to the notice of authorities only after the CCTV footage surfaced, indicating a lapse in reporting procedures. This failure was deemed a serious negligence and a violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which mandates safe learning environments for students.
Official Inquiry and Penalty Imposition
Following the discovery, a three-member committee was sent to conduct an inquiry into the incident. In its preliminary report, the committee observed that the school showed indifference in reporting the incident to the authorities. Based on these findings, the committee recommended disciplinary action against the school.
Acting on the committee's recommendations, DEO Rohit Chaudhary imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Shri Durga Vidyalaya. The school has been directed to deposit the amount through a government challan within two days. This penalty underscores the importance of adherence to safety regulations and timely communication in educational institutions.
School Principal's Statement
School principal Ketan Shah addressed the incident, stating that immediate medical care was provided to the student on the day of the occurrence. He emphasized that appropriate action was taken once the facts were confirmed, including the disciplinary measures against the involved student. However, the DEO's actions highlight that such internal measures must be complemented by formal reporting to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
This case serves as a reminder for schools across Ahmedabad and beyond to prioritize student safety and comply with regulatory requirements. The imposition of a fine reflects the authorities' commitment to enforcing standards that protect young learners from harm and negligence.
