In a troubling incident on 27 August 2024, three students were injured when a section of the ceiling plaster fell on them during class at a government-run school in Krishnagiri. The accident raised significant concerns about the safety and structural integrity of the building, which had only been opened two months ago.
The injured students, Santhosh, Venkatesh, and Manikandan, all in the 11th grade, sustained head injuries and were promptly taken to Singarapettai Government Hospital for medical attention. The Government Higher Secondary School, located in Periathallapadi village within Uthangarai Taluk, Krishnagiri, has over 400 students enrolled.
The new building, financed through the MP’s constituency development funds, saw the three students receive stitches at the Singarapettai Government Primary Health Centre before being discharged once their conditions stabilized.
Following the incident, over 50 parents assembled at the school to protest, demanding accountability from the contractor for what they claimed was substandard construction. As tensions rose, the school authorities promised to take appropriate action.
In the aftermath, Tamil Nadu BJP state secretary SG Suryah criticized the situation and ridiculed Congress former MP A. Chella Kumar, stating, “In Krishnagiri govt. school, the building opened just 2 months ago built with MPLAD Funds of Congress MP @DrAChellaKumar collapses & 3 students are hospitalised. The great #DravidianModel at display.”
Three weeks ago, the ceiling of a classroom at a government school in Thiruporur collapsed, injuring five female students and sparking protests from parents who questioned the quality of the construction.
The incident occurred at the Government Higher Secondary School in Siruthavur village, which serves over 350 students. At around 2 pm on 8 August 2024, a section of the ceiling in a Class 10 room gave way while 48 students were inside. Five girls sustained injuries and were promptly transported to the Thiruporur government hospital. According to police sources, two of the students were treated and sent home, while Suji, Prathikshaw, and Tamilrasi were admitted with multiple injuries.
Upon hearing about the collapse, parents and locals gathered at the school, demanding an investigation into the building’s construction, which was completed only seven years prior. They protested, calling for the structure to be demolished and rebuilt to ensure the safety of their children.
In response to the protests, the Chengalpattu district education officer, Thiruporur Panchayat Union Commissioner, and Revenue Department officials visited the school. They assured the parents that the building would be inspected and that appropriate actions would be taken. Meanwhile, the officials temporarily relocated students from classes 9 and 10 to a nearby building.
In another incident last month, the ceiling of a newly constructed Panchayat Union Middle School near Kanchipuram collapsed, causing significant concern. The building, completed three months prior at an estimated cost of ₹62 lakhs, had its ceiling in one classroom suddenly give way. The incident resulted in a fan blade bending. Fortunately, the students were on the ground at the time, offering their prayers, and no one was injured.
In response, parents demanded an immediate investigation by the District Collector into the building’s stability and called for strict action against those responsible. The Panchayat Union Primary and Middle Schools in Kuruvimalai had three new structures erected at a cost of ₹61.73 lakhs before the last parliamentary elections.
Residents urged that the building be thoroughly inspected, and if found to be substandard, they requested that it be demolished and replaced with a properly constructed facility.
(With inputs from DTNext)
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