TIRUCHY: A portion of ceiling panels collapsed in a classroom in Singalanthapuram government primary school, near Thuraiyur in Tiruchy, barely six months after inauguration in April this year, sparking widespread outrage.
The incident occurred around 8.30 am, minutes after the school was opened for the morning meal programme. A section of the classroom’s ceiling gave way and crashed onto desks and the floor, sending students and teachers into panic. Fortunately, none of the 34 children studying in classes I to V were inside at the time, and no injuries were reported. As it was an exam day today, students were made to sit in the nearby building.
The school functions with just two classrooms, both built under the Child Friendly School Infrastructure Development Scheme (CFSIDS) 2022-23 at a cost of Rs 30.5 lakh.
The broken ceiling, with charts and teaching aids still dangling, was a chilling reminder of a major tragedy averted by chance.
District Education Officer, Musiri Kanagaraj and Block Development officials rushed to the spot and inspected the damage.
Parents, however, were unconvinced by the assurances. They staged a protest outside the school, demanding accountability from authorities for the substandard construction. Later, they accepted the school's explanation and allowed their children to continue with the examination.
"This building was opened less than a year ago. If the roof can collapse this soon, what guarantee do we have for our children’s safety?" asked a protesting parent. Several demanded that classes be shifted to safer premises until a thorough safety audit is carried out.
Officials said a detailed inquiry into the contractor’s work and the approval process has been ordered. Temporary arrangements are being made for students as exams are underway.