Tamil Nadu Minister Pledges Accountability After Tragic School Accident
In a tragic incident that has shocked the state, a Class VII student lost his life after a school wall collapsed in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. The accident, which occurred on Tuesday, has prompted immediate action from the state government. School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, addressing the media in Trichy on Wednesday, gave a firm assurance that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the negligence that led to this heartbreaking loss.
Unsafe Building and Immediate Fallout
The minister revealed critical details about the school's construction. The building was constructed using funds from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) during the 2014–15 period. An initial assessment has pointed to a fundamental flaw: the structure was built on an unsafe site. Minister Poyyamozhi emphasized that accountability must be fixed, not just for the execution but also for the approval of the construction. "Those responsible for approving and executing the construction must be held accountable," he stated firmly.
Following the incident, the local police have registered a First Information Report (FIR). A formal investigation is now underway to determine the exact chain of events and lapses that resulted in the fatal collapse. The minister confirmed that the probe will be thorough to ensure justice is served.
Compensation and Support for the Grieving Family
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced financial assistance for the bereaved family. An ex gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh has been sanctioned for the kin of the young victim. However, Minister Poyyamozhi somberly noted that no monetary compensation could ever equate to the profound loss of a child's life.
In a move to provide sustained support, the minister said the government is committed to considering all legitimate requests from the family. A specific promise was made to support the education of the deceased child's sibling, ensuring the family receives continued assistance beyond the immediate financial aid.
Addressing Criticism and Looking Ahead
The tragic event has drawn criticism from opposition parties regarding the state of school infrastructure and safety. In his response, Minister Poyyamozhi defended the government's overall record in the education sector. He asserted that "the results of growth of education in the state speak for itself," indicating that this incident, while severe, should be viewed in the context of broader improvements.
Nevertheless, the focus remains on the immediate tragedy and ensuring such a failure of safety protocols is never repeated. The state administration's actions in the coming days, including the findings of the investigation and the subsequent punitive measures, will be closely watched by the public and education activists alike.
