Kolkata: The school education department has served a show-cause notice to the private school near Ruby Hospital where a class 3 student was bitten by a snake. The notice highlights serious lapses in handling the incident and questions why the school’s no-objection certificate (NOC), granted by the state, should not be revoked. The school has been given two days to respond. Meanwhile, the student was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. The school, which was closed on Wednesday and Thursday, will reopen on Friday.An inspection team, including the district inspector, visited the school and met with the authorities. In an initial inquiry, officials found lapses on the school’s part when the incident occurred. An official said, “The school must ensure the safety of the children studying there. Accidents can happen at any time, but prompt action is required from the school, which was missing here. The school took the issue lightly. Moreover, they admitted to having an emergency alarm to ring if such a situation arises, which was not used that day.”The education department will organise a hearing session where both the parents and the school management will be allowed to present their versions of the incident.Additionally, the school has been directed to submit a detailed, point-by-point factual report covering 14 specifics, including the exact time and location of the incident, the names and designations of the staff present, and the timeline of when the student was taken to the sick room and then to the hospital. It also requires details of any doctor consulted, records of previous complaints regarding snakes or similar hazards on campus, and the conditions attached to the school’s NOC alongside proof of compliance.Following the notice, the department questioned why the student was allegedly not admitted to a hospital for urgent medical evaluation and treatment immediately after the incident. They also questioned the adequacy of the school’s emergency response protocol, the availability of trained personnel, first-aid arrangements, and the mechanism for dealing with serious medical emergencies. Furthermore, the department highlighted that the incident raises serious concerns regarding the measures undertaken by the school to prevent the entry of snakes or other hazardous pests.A statement issued by the school management reads, “The safety, well-being, and security of every child remain our foremost priority. In keeping with this commitment, the school has taken immediate steps to review and further strengthen the safety and preventive measures across the campus.”The school has roped in West Bengal Wild Animal Rescue and Transit Facility Centre, whose team has already carried out a comprehensive inspection of the campus. In a parallel move, the school has also engaged a private agency to conduct an independent inspection of the premises. The inspections led to the rescue of a non-venomous rat snake from an area near the school boundary.“The school is actively working with experts and all agencies concerned while simultaneously undertaking proactive measures to further strengthen safety and preparedness across the campus. Their observations and recommendations will be carefully reviewed, and appropriate measures will be implemented to ensure that the school’s safety protocols remain robust and responsive,” the school’s statement added.
