Gondia (Maharashtra):
In a shocking incident from Makkadghoda area of Gondia district of Maharashtra, two children have died and three are critical after being bitten by a snake at a government-aided ashram run by a private organization. The ashram school was being run under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan scheme of the central govt by the Human Resources Development Ministry.
NCP leader and local MP Praful Patel told NDTV, "It's an unfortunate incident and I have asked the local administration to take strict action against the school authorities for negligence".
Dr LL Bajaj, a doctor at the hospital where the children are being treated, said, "Six children were bitten by a black cobra. One died on the spot. One died on the way to hospital. Three children are critical."
KS Elamgar the principal of Swami Ramkrishna Ashramshala, where the incident took place says "384 kids study here but we do not have enough beds for all. That is why 150 students were sleeping on the floor of the hall."
The school is situated in a backward tribal area. The students belong to the tribal community and they stay at the school while their parents are away for work. On Wednesday nearly 150 children went to sleep on the floor in the hall of the school due to a shortage of beds. This morning six students were bitten by a snake. The parents of the dead children are in a state of shock.
The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is a flagship programme of the Centre for achievement of Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE) in a time bound manner, as mandated by 86th amendment to the Constitution of India making free and compulsory Education to the Children of 6-14 years age group, a Fundamental Right. It is being implemented in partnership with State Governments to cover the entire country and address the needs of 192 million children.