A ceiling fan accident at Umakanta English Medium School in Agartala left a third-grade student critically injured, sparking outrage among parents over poor maintenance, negligence, and safety lapses in government-aided schools under the Vidyajyoti scheme.
A shocking incident at Umakanta English Medium School has reignited serious concerns about student safety and school infrastructure in government-aided institutions. On Monday, a ceiling fan came crashing down on a third-grade student during class hours, leaving the child critically injured and sparking public outrage.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred in a classroom filled with young children when the fan suddenly detached from the ceiling while lessons were in progress. Panic erupted among students as teachers rushed to assist the injured child, who reportedly sustained a deep head injury.
The student was immediately taken to the hospital, accompanied by the school principal and staff. Doctors performed multiple stitches on the child’s head, and a CT scan was recommended to rule out internal injuries. The child’s father, visibly distressed, said the family was anxiously waiting for the results.
“My son was sitting right below the fan when it fell. The doctors had to put several stitches on his head. We are worried about what the scan will show,” said the father. “I don’t want to speak against the school openly because my child still studies there, but this kind of negligence is shocking.”
Maintenance Negligence Ignored Despite Repeated Complaints
Several teachers and students have confirmed that the ceiling fan had been malfunctioning for days before the incident. A teacher who witnessed the event recalled that the fan was moving unusually slow and making loud noises, a clear indication of mechanical wear and tear.
“I was writing on the board when suddenly the fan crashed. We had noticed it was not working properly for some time,” said the teacher.
One student further revealed that complaints had been made to the headmaster regarding the faulty fans in several classrooms, but no repairs were carried out. “We told the headmaster many times, but nothing was done. This accident happened because no one took our warnings seriously,” the student added.
Parents Demand Accountability and Safety Measures
As news of the accident spread, anxious parents gathered at the school premises demanding an explanation and immediate action. Many expressed their frustration and fear, questioning the school’s maintenance system and the lack of regular safety checks.
“How can we send our children to school like this?” asked one angry parent. “Ever since this school came under the Vidyajyoti scheme, we’ve been paying higher fees, but the infrastructure and safety standards have gone down drastically.”
The Vidyajyoti scheme, launched by the state government to enhance quality education through modernization, now faces renewed scrutiny as parents allege that essential maintenance and safety measures are being neglected.
Administration Yet to Respond
Despite the growing public outrage, the school administration has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. Local education officials have been informed, and an internal inquiry is expected to be launched soon to determine responsibility.
Education activists and guardians are calling for immediate inspection of all electrical fixtures, ceiling fans, and building structures across government-aided and Vidyajyoti schools in Tripura to prevent future tragedies.
Broader Questions Over School Infrastructure
This incident has reignited a wider debate about safety in public and semi-government schools. Experts point out that aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance budgets, and lack of accountability are common issues plaguing schools in the region.
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While such accidents are rare, they highlight the urgent need for regular safety audits and modernization of facilities. The failure to address these concerns not only endangers young lives but also erodes public trust in the education system.
For now, the injured student remains under medical observation, and parents across Agartala are demanding that authorities take strict action to ensure this tragedy is not repeated.
