Nagpur: Maharashtra tribal development department has permanently withdrawn the state affiliation of the aided Japatlai Ashram School in Gadchiroli following the deaths of three female students after a snakebite incident. The department has also ordered the remaining students to be shifted to other ashram schools.The school, run by the Kuparlingo Educational and Cultural Development Research Institute, came under scrutiny after six students were bitten by a snake, of whom three died. A departmental inquiry subsequently found serious lapses in student safety, staff attendance, residential arrangements, food quality and overall administration.The inquiry also found that the institution had allegedly inflated its student strength to secure grants in violation of prescribed rules. It further noted one female student had been admitted to the residential facility contrary to the applicable norms.The school administration attributed the delay in taking the snakebite victims to the rural hospital to poor road conditions. The inquiry, however, found the school did not have adequate arrangements to provide immediate medical assistance. Officials were also criticised for failing to promptly visit students undergoing treatment or provide reassurance to their parents.Staffing deficiencies emerged as another major concern. More than 100 students were residing at the school when the incident occurred, but only one male and one female staff member were present. The superintendent was on authorised leave, but charge had not been formally handed over to another female teacher or responsible staff member. The secondary school headmaster was also absent.Taking note of the cumulative lapses, tribal development commissioner Leena Bansod ordered permanent withdrawal of the school’s recognition, effectively ending its affiliation with the state.The department’s decision also seeks to ensure that students currently enrolled at the institution are accommodated in other ashram schools.
