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Deccan Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Fighting hate and other poisons
The Karnataka government has issued a 25-point Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in response to two alarming cases of water poisoning in government schools, one in Belagavi and another in Shivamogga. While both incidents raise grave concerns about child safety, the Belagavi incident is particularly sinister. Here, several students were hospitalised after a drinking water tank was poisoned in a communal plot to malign the school's Muslim headmaster and engineer his transfer. The three accused, including Sri Ram Sene leader Sagar Patil, have been remanded to judicial fact that children were targeted to further a hate-driven agenda exposes the grotesque extremes of religious fundamentalism. That the perpetrators believed they could act with such brazenness speaks of a deeper malaise: the normalisation of bigotry in politics. It is indeed concerning that when political ideologies turn into blind hatred, even innocent children are not spared. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has rightly questioned if Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik or BJP leaders like B Y Vijayendra and R Ashoka would take responsibility for the incident. Yet, the BJP's silence has been deafening – no condemnation, no demand for a probe, no outrage. When children's lives are endangered, selective outrage is not just hypocrisy; it is government's SOP is a welcome and necessary step. Headmasters are now required to inspect school premises before classes begin, check for contamination or odour in water, and ensure water tanks are locked. Lavatories must be kept clean, first-aid kits must be maintained, and inspection details updated daily on the Students' Achievement Tracking System (SATS) portal. The Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), Block Education Officers (BEOs), and nodal officers are required to conduct regular checks. But this is not enough; the SOP will remain only on paper unless senior officers face consequences for lapses. Children should never be collateral damage in someone else's war; their lives should not be compromised, whether by poisoning, prejudice, or poor hygiene. However, the larger battle is against the ideological poison that has enabled this crime. The Belagavi incident cannot be seen as merely criminal. The accused should be prosecuted under the harshest laws. But beyond the courtroom, society must confront the hatred that fuels such violence. Politicians who stoke division, fringe groups that act with impunity, and citizens who remain indifferent are all to blame. The choice before us is clear: stand together and resist this toxic agenda or remain passive as hatred corrodes the very fabric of our society.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Cases of poisoning of drinking water in government schools: DSEL issues SOP for children's safety
Following two shocking incidents of miscreants poisoning the drinking water tanks of government schools in Shivamogga and Belagavi districts, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by headmasters every day in their schools. The Commissioner of Public Instruction has issued the circular with a total of 25 points to be followed, including checking drinking water regularly and ensuring that the sump is locked. These aspects should be checked, confirmed, and documented by the headmaster of the school daily. They have to obtain the signature of a visitor to confirm that the procedure has been followed. HMs made accountable Noting lapses in aspects related to safety of children in schools, the note said, 'If headmasters check some basic factors on a daily basis and take precautionary measures, possible mishaps in schools can be avoided.' They have been instructed to take precautionary measures so that there is no lapse in safety, the circular stated. The department has also listed out duties to be performed by the officials regarding the implementation of SOP various levels, including district nodal officers, Deputy Directors of Public Instruction (DDPIs), Block Education Officers (BEOs), and others. This information should also be entered in the Students' Achievement Tracking System (SATS) every day. Shocking incident Speaking to The Hindu, K.V. Trilok Chandra, Commissioner of Public Instruction, said, 'The incident of miscreants poisoning school water tanks is shocking. In this regard, SOPs have been issued to be followed regularly in every school. All schools have to submit reports to the department.' If they fail, action will be taken against the headmaster concerned, he warned. Recently, miscreants had poisoned the drinking water tanks of two government schools in Shivamogga and Belagavi districts. The police have arrested three people belonging to Srirama Sene in Belagavi district. In the case of Shivamogga, investigation is still on.
