Six-Year-Old Dies at Palghar Ashram School as Family Alleges Lack of Information
A six-year-old student died after developing severe breathing difficulties at the Masvan tribal ashram school in Palghar, marking the second death of a student at the residential facility in the past 20 days. The child's father alleged that the school administration failed to inform the family of the tragedy, leaving them to hear the news from another student.
The boy had been suffering from a fever for two days before attending school on Monday. His condition deteriorated rapidly after he began experiencing breathing trouble, and he passed away while being transported to a hospital.
Following the incident, 26 other students exhibiting mild symptoms, including cough, cold, or fever, were placed under observation at the Maswan Primary Health Centre as a precautionary step. Health officials reported that their condition remained stable.
Integrated Tribal Development Project officer Vishal Khatri inspected both the Maswan school and the local health centre, where he met with recovering students and their families. Khatri identified serious shortcomings in basic amenities, including drinking water facilities, and reprimanded the school management.
District Health Officer Dr Santosh Chaudhary was instructed to conduct immediate medical examinations for all children at the school and ensure appropriate medical care. The residential school currently houses 395 boarders among a total student enrolment of 449.
Khatri stated that a fresh health screening drive was conducted across the campus following advice from the district health officer. He added that essential sanitation and water purification measures are being carried out at the institution to prevent further incidents.
The fatality at Masvan comes amid broader scrutiny over safety and healthcare infrastructure across tribal residential schools in Maharashtra. Weeks earlier, three tribal girls died following a suspected venomous snakebite at a residential school in Gadchiroli district after sleeping on the floor. Earlier this month, officials noted that 584 students died across state-run and government-aided residential facilities over the previous two years due to medical issues, snakebites, sickle cell disease, accidents, and other causes.
