Mushrooming of pvt schools, safety violations alleged

Metro India News | RANGA REDDY

With the start of the new academic year, parents are once again facing rising educational expenses. At the same time, allegations have emerged that some officials and intermediaries are benefiting from the rapid expansion of unregulated private educational institutions in parts of Hyderabad's outskirts. According to local residents and student organizations, areas near by LB Nagar and Maheshwaram such as Saroornagar, Hayathnagar and Balapur have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of private play schools, kindergarten institutions, and franchise schools.

Many of these institutions are reportedly operating from residential buildings and commercial complexes, often marketing themselves with labels such as "International," "Co-Education," and "Techno." Residents allege that many of these institutions fail to meet the minimum infrastructure standards prescribed for schools. Under applicable regulations, schools are generally expected to operate from owned or leased premises with adequately sized classrooms, provide playground facilities, obtain fire safety clearances, secure structural stability certificates, ensure access to safe drinking water, and maintain separate restroom facilities for boys and girls.

Parents and student groups have expressed concern over the safety of children studying in these institutions. They allege that some schools operate in narrow lanes and congested buildings where evacuation during emergencies, such as a fire, could be extremely difficult. According to the complaints, several buildings have limited access routes and inadequate emergency exits, potentially placing young children at risk in the event of an accident. The allegations have prompted calls for stricter inspections and enforcement of fire safety and building regulations before educational institutions are allowed to operate.

Parents and community representatives have urged the state government and education authorities to conduct comprehensive inspections, enforce safety and infrastructure norms, and take action against institutions found to be operating without the required permissions, emphasizing that student safety should take precedence over commercial interests.