Chandigarh, December 28
The General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja said even after the painful deaths of two promising sportspersons in Rohtak, the Haryana government has failed to wake up. At that time, the government merely fulfilled a formality by announcing the formation of a committee and an inspection of playgrounds in schools across the state. However, the departmental report that has now emerged has exposed all the claims made by the government. According to the report, 67 per cent of school playgrounds in the state are unsafe for children, and only 10 per cent of playgrounds meet safety standards. This situation is extremely serious and shameful.
In a statement released to the media, Selja said, if the government had been genuinely serious after the Rohtak incident, such conditions would not have come to light today. The report clearly states that most schools have dilapidated poles, broken sports equipment, uneven playgrounds, and almost no essential safety arrangements for children. This is not mere negligence, but a direct gamble with the lives of children. Selja further said it is deeply unfortunate that the government failed to act even after the deaths of not one, but two children. “The government spoke about an inquiry, but neither was any action taken against responsible officials nor were any improvements made on the ground. Even today, thousands of children are forced to play on the same dangerous playgrounds where a major accident can occur at any time”, she added.
Selja said the Haryana government has become completely insensitive towards child safety. Had playgrounds been repaired in time, equipment inspected, and safety standards enforced, a tragic incident like the one in Rohtak could have been prevented. Due to government negligence, innocent children are losing their lives, which is unacceptable in any civilized society. Selja demanded that all playgrounds in government and private schools across the state be re-inspected immediately, dilapidated equipment be removed, safety standards be made mandatory, and strict action be taken against officials whose negligence led to this situation. Selja also demanded justice and adequate compensation for the affected families. She clearly warned that if the government continues to turn a blind eye, the Congress will raise this issue with full force from the streets to the Assembly, because there can be no issue more important than the lives of children.
