- How Were Approvals Granted?
- Official Negligence or Management Influence?
- Questions Raised Over Conducting Classes in Residential Buildings
A THE JOURNALIST POST Special Report
Criticism is mounting across the state regarding the operational practices of Sri Chaitanya schools. In particular, the lack of proper playgrounds at many branches and the fact that classes are being conducted in buildings originally constructed for residential purposes have become subjects of debate. While concerns are being raised about branches operating without the basic amenities essential for the holistic development of students, questions are also being asked about the adequacy of oversight by the concerned authorities.
Hyderabad, THE JOURNALIST POST : Education is not limited merely to textbooks; sports play a crucial role in the mental and physical development of students. The National Education Policy also emphasizes the importance of sports in a student’s overall growth. However, the absence of even a basic playground in many Sri Chaitanya schools across the state means students are confined within four walls.
Government regulations for school recognition mandate the availability of specific facilities, including suitable buildings, safety standards, drinking water, restrooms, spacious premises, and playgrounds. Yet, locals allege that many Sri Chaitanya schools are operating without playgrounds. It is reported that in some places, students are confined to classrooms, corridors, and the immediate building premises from morning until evening. Furthermore, there are allegations that schools are being operated in buildings originally approved for residential use rather than in structures specifically designed for educational institutions.
Experts point out that residential buildings are often ill-suited to the needs of educational institutions; they may lack adequate emergency exits for safe evacuation, spacious grounds, parking facilities, and proper fire safety measures. These circumstances have raised several questions. Are the concerned authorities conducting inspections of schools that operate without playgrounds or adequate infrastructure? Doubts are being raised as to why no action is taken against institutions that violate regulations.
While some parents and civic groups attribute this situation to official negligence, others criticize the lack of action, citing the influence of corporate educational institutions. There is also growing concern that commercial interests are taking precedence over quality in the education sector. Opinions are being voiced that schools charging exorbitant fees are placing undue pressure on students without providing even basic infrastructure. Educationists warn that the lack of adequate sports facilities—essential for students’ physical development, health, and mental well-being—poses a risk of adverse long-term effects. Parents, too, are expressing concern over this issue. They find it distressing that, despite paying exorbitant fees, their children lack basic amenities such as proper playgrounds and spacious campuses.
They are urging the government to take strict measures without compromising on student safety and development. The public is demanding that the state government and education department officials conduct special inspections across the state to assess the infrastructure of all private educational institutions, including Sri Chaitanya schools. They call for a comprehensive review of playgrounds, building permits, safety standards, and fire safety measures, urging action against institutions that violate regulations. However, experts suggest that it is also necessary to seek a response from the management of Sri Chaitanya Educational Institutions regarding these allegations.
They believe that if the management provides an explanation concerning the actual conditions, permit details, and facilities provided to students, the full picture will emerge. Nothing is more important than the future, safety, and holistic development of students. Public confidence in the education system will grow only if regulations are implemented on the ground rather than remaining confined to rulebooks.
Otherwise, the onus will fall on the administrative machinery to answer the question: “How were permissions granted to Sri Chaitanya schools that lack playgrounds?”
