Power ministers acknowledge lapses after class 8 student is electrocuted in Kerala school

A 13-year-old boy, Mithun, lost his life in a shocking electrocution accident at Thevalakkara Boys Higher Secondary School in Kerala’s Kollam district on July 17. The tragedy has triggered statewide outrage and forced top officials to admit serious lapses in school safety and electricity maintenance.

Mithun, a Class 8 student, had climbed onto the roof of a cycle shed to retrieve his slipper. A low-hanging live wire ran just above the shed. As he stood up, he made contact with the wire and died instantly. His friends and teachers, who witnessed the event, were left stunned and helpless.

Unsafe Wiring Ignored for Years

Investigators found that the live wire hung at just 4.28 meters above ground—lower than the minimum required clearance of 4.6 meters. Despite this violation, the school continued to function normally. The shed, made of metal sheets, had been placed directly beneath the high-voltage line.

Both school authorities and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) overlooked this risk for years. They neither raised the wire height nor restricted access to the shed. As a result, the school turned into a death trap.

Ministers Acknowledge Responsibility

Kerala’s Power Minister K. Krishnankutty accepted that the tragedy happened due to failures by both the school and the KSEB. “The electric line should have been realigned long ago. The school also built illegal structures under it,” he said during a press briefing.

Education Minister V. Sivankutty echoed the concern and admitted that government systems failed to protect the student. “This is a serious issue. We will hold the responsible officials accountable,” he said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered condolences and announced ₹5 lakh as interim compensation to Mithun’s family. He also assured a thorough investigation.

Opposition Demands State-Wide Safety Checks

The Congress-led opposition held the government accountable. Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, visited the grieving family and demanded an immediate audit of all schools across Kerala.

“Who gave this school a fitness certificate when a live wire was hanging dangerously low? This isn’t an isolated case—many schools might be at risk,” Satheesan warned.

Protesters gathered near the school, and some even burned an effigy of the Education Minister, demanding immediate action and reforms.

Human Rights Commission Takes Notice

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission responded swiftly. It ordered a detailed report from the authorities within 14 days. The Commission stressed that students have the right to a safe learning environment and called for urgent reforms in infrastructure monitoring.

This response has increased pressure on the state government to act beyond compensation and announcements.

A Minister’s Remark Sparks Backlash

While some leaders took responsibility, District Minister J. Chinchu Rani stirred controversy. She claimed the student ignored warnings from his classmates and made a “mistake.” Her remarks drew sharp criticism from activists, parents, and opposition leaders.

Critics argued that children often fail to understand danger fully. Therefore, it becomes the duty of schools and officials to ensure safe surroundings, not blame children for fatal errors.

The Bigger Picture: A Broken System

Mithun’s death highlights a larger problem. Many government schools across India lack basic safety standards. Overhead electric lines, poor maintenance, and unauthorized structures pose daily threats to students.

This tragedy also questions how local bodies grant safety certificates without proper inspections. It exposes loopholes in coordination between education departments and power supply agencies.

What Needs to Change?

Safety experts, child rights activists, and school management groups are calling for urgent reforms. Here’s what needs to happen:

• Annual Infrastructure Audits: All schools must undergo yearly checks for electrical safety, building strength, and hazard-free environments.
• Relocation of Power Lines: Wires near schools should be rerouted or insulated properly. Unsafe clearances must be corrected immediately.
• Strict Guidelines on Construction: Schools must not build sheds, classrooms, or cycle stands under or near power lines.
• Staff Training: Teachers and maintenance staff should receive training on spotting and reporting risks.
• Accountability of Local Bodies: Panchayats and municipalities must face action for issuing fitness certificates without real checks.

A Life Lost, A Lesson for the Future

Mithun’s family has lost a child in a place that was meant to protect and educate him. No amount of money or apology can undo that pain. But this incident should force the system to act.

Students deserve schools that are safe, not just on paper but in reality. Parents should never worry about their children being harmed by infrastructure failures or bureaucratic neglect.

The incident at Thevalakkara is not just a tragic accident. It is a reminder of what happens when safety takes a backseat to complacency. If Mithun’s death leads to real reforms, it might prevent future tragedies.