Safety Review Ordered for Tribal Ashram Schools

A directive for a comprehensive safety review of government-run ashram schools has been issued by the tribal development department. This action follows the recent deaths of three girl students due to snakebites at a residential ashram school hostel in Gadchiroli. Authorities in Nashik's Kalwan project area have commenced intensive inspections of all ashram schools within their jurisdiction.

The primary objective of these inspections is to identify deficiencies in student safety, health services, food quality, and basic infrastructure. The aim is to prevent a recurrence of the Gadchiroli tragedy and promptly address safety concerns in remote tribal educational institutions.

To enhance monitoring, the administration has reactivated its "School Guardian Officer and Staff" scheme. Under this program, designated officers will conduct overnight stays at assigned schools for five consecutive days each month to directly assess on-ground conditions. These guardian officers are tasked with submitting monthly reports, complete with geo-tagged photographs, to ensure accountability and document findings related to meals, cleanliness, and school activities.