It seems the authorities of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Mawphlang have not learnt lessons even after the death of a student in a case of electrocution in July this year.
According to sources this time on November 16, another electrical failure incident happened in the teacher’s quarter.
According to a report, which was submitted to the Principal of the school, the electrical failure was witnessed from the G-5 hostel when a teacher was taking the night attendance.
Reportedly, three students saw smoke and fire emanating from another teacher’s quarter. Without delay, they went to the scene, poured water, and promptly informed other staff members and the principal about the situation.
Sources said that no one dares to complain against the head of the school because they are scared of the principal.
On the day of the incident, the said teacher was on station leave and had travelled to Shillong to attend her aunt’s funeral. She was informed about the fire by the principal at around 8:30 pm, and she immediately left for the campus, reaching at approximately 10:30 pm. By that time, the fire had been extinguished due to timely actions of the staff and students.
Sofa and curtains were completely burned in the fire as the entire quarter has been marked with black smoke stains, causing significant damage to the interiors.
The fire was allegedly caused by a faulty charger that was plugged in.
“However, I strongly deny this allegation and request a thorough investigation to ascertain the actual cause of the fire,” the teacher said.
She also stated that such incidents raise questions about preventive measures and the availability of fire safety mechanisms.
She requested the administration to clarify the measures in place to ensure the safety and security of staff quarters, and provide compensation for the losses incurred due to the fire.
Meanwhile, the principal of JNV Mawphlang has invited parents of the students to attend a meeting on “important matters related” to the school on November 26 at 10 am.
According to the principal Neelam Sharma, the meeting will be presided over by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner R.M. Kurbah, to be attended by chairman VMC JNV Mawphlang and officials from the Electrical Department (Mawphlang Division), and the Electrical Division of CPWD.
It may be mentioned that on July 28 this year, a class XI student Nathaniel Sohtun, tragically died of electrocution while taking a shower in the school hostel.
