Shanti Asiatic School Fined for Concealing Fire Incident: CBSE Recommended for Further Action

Despite a fire incident occurring, Shanti Asiatic School attempted to cover it up during the mock drill, which has led to a penalty of ten thousand rupees imposed by the DPI under the RTE Act. 

Since the school is affiliated with CBSE, a joint recommendation has been made by the DEO-DPI to impose a five lakh rupee fine on CBSE. As a result, the school may face a significant penalty from CBSE.

Penalty Increased After School Conceals Fire Incident

Currently, a penalty of ten thousand rupees has been imposed, but a letter has been sent to CBSE to increase the fine to five lakh rupees.

Last month, a fire occurred due to a short circuit at Shanti Asiatic School on Sanand Road in Ahmedabad. However, the school did not report the incident to any authorities, including the DEO, DPI, or the corporation. Additionally, when students went home and informed their parents, many parents arrived at the school the next day, creating a commotion.

Consequently, a team from the rural DEO and DPI, as well as officials from the Prant Officer, the corporation, and the police, arrived at the school. The police also filed a formal complaint regarding the incident.

Online Classes Implemented Until Fire Safety Audit Completed

Under the orders of the Ahmedabad Rural DEO, online education was mandated at the school until a fire safety audit was conducted. For a few days, classes were held online. The audit was carried out by the Sanand Prant Officer’s team and the Corporation Fire Department, which provided a comprehensive fire safety report. 

After the report was reviewed, offline education resumed. However, a joint hearing process was initiated by the Ahmedabad Rural DEO and Ahmedabad DPI (District Primary Education Officer).

School Penalized for Failing to Report Fire Incident; CBSE Faces Recommendation for Higher Fine

Various issues were raised with the school during the hearing process, and the Ahmedabad DPI has imposed a fine of ten thousand rupees on the school for failing to report the fire incident as per the RTE Act. Additionally, a joint recommendation letter has been sent to CBSE by the Ahmedabad Rural DEO and DPI, suggesting further action.

The recommendation includes a five lakh rupee fine under Section 8.1 for fire safety equipment and security violations. As a result, CBSE may impose a five lakh rupee penalty on the school.