Gadchiroli Snakebite Tragedy: Maharashtra Govt Orders Permanent Cancellation Of Ashram School Licence

Three girls tragically died after being bitten by a snake at a government-aided tribal residential school in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The incident took place overnight on Sunday at an ashram school in Japtalai village, where six girls were sleeping on the hostel floor. No warden was present at the time of the tragic event. Around 50 girls resided in the hostel at the time.

This incident has led the state government to order the permanent cancellation of the school's licence and initiate a comprehensive review of safety and basic facilities at all tribal residential schools across Maharashtra. Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike briefed the state Cabinet about the incident on Tuesday. Fadnavis, the Chief Minister, expressed concern over the school's lack of teachers, a warden, and essential facilities despite receiving government aid.

He questioned how such deficiencies could have gone unnoticed during regular inspections. Uike also stated that the supervisor responsible for inspecting the school had only visited once a month and failed to document the poor condition in the visit book. The supervisor will face suspension. The Cabinet meeting saw ministers expressing sorrow over the deaths and discussing the state of aided ashram schools and necessary improvements.