Circular ends confusion over norms to obtain school fitness certificate

The State government has issued a circular bringing in clarity over norms for obtaining fitness certificate for schools ahead of the start of a new academic year.

The circular, issued by the General Education department in the wake of a meeting between the Chief Secretary and District Collectors on Wednesday, rolls back the stipulation of getting no-objection certificates from five departments for the issue of fitness certificates to schools. The stipulation was laid down by a Health department circular on school safety and security guidelines issued in November last year.

These departments, as per the earlier circular, are: the electrical inspectorate under the Power department; Fire and Rescue Services; Health department; Forest and Wildlife department; and the Motor Vehicles department. According to it, a monitoring committee should be formed at the school level to ensure student safety. The committee should include the school manager, head teacher, PTA representatives, teacher/non-teacher representatives, ward member, and representatives of the above departments. Further, the committee members should certify a checklist on safety norms and the application for school fitness.

However, school authorities cited impracticalities in implementing these guidelines. Teachers’ organisations too had raised the issue with the department.

As per the latest circular, the fitness certificate will be issued by local government institutions. The Local Self Government department’s assistant engineer and its health wing will inspect the buildings and school premises and verify the components of a revised checklist.

The fitness certificate will be issued by the Local Self Government department for school structures based on compliance with the checklist.

Fitness for school vehicles should be obtained separately from the Motor Vehicles department.

The Director of General Education will ensure that schools take steps to constitute the committees mentioned in the Health department circular, says the latest circular.