Unregistered playschool under fire after boy’s death in Sirsa

The death of four-year-old Armaan at an unregistered playschool in Mamera Kalan village, Sirsa, has triggered an investigation and exposed administrative negligence. The Small Wonder Play School, where the incident occurred, was found to be operating without a government registration or basic safety measures.

A team from the District Child Welfare Committee (CWC), led by Chairperson Anita Verma, visited the school and found that the only document maintained was an attendance register. The school operator, Bhupender Singh, admitted that he never applied for registration. During questioning, it was revealed that he runs two illegal playschools — one in Mamera Kalan and another in Ellenabad.

The inspection uncovered shocking lapses, not just by the school but also government officials. No notices were issued by the District Programme Officer (DPO) or the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) to shut down the illegal schools. Verma confirmed that the committee’s findings showed gross negligence by the Women and Child Development Department.

A detailed report has been prepared and will be sent to the government and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

She told ‘The Tribune’ that they found major safety issues during the inspection. “These schools were being run inside residential houses, with no proper washrooms or drinking water facilities," she said.

Armaan, son of Sukhdev Singh from Maujukhera village, had collapsed in school on Tuesday morning. According to his father’s statement, Armaan lay unconscious for nearly 30 minutes while the staff was in a meeting. By the time he was taken to hospital, he was declared dead. The family alleged that the school tried to mislead them about the condition of their child.

Ellenabad block has at least 11 such unregistered playschools. Across Sirsa district, over 50 playschools are estimated to be running without registration, in violation of child safety norms.

When the CWC team visited the second playschool in Ellenabad, it too lacked basic facilities. Even the Education Department had never issued a closure notice. “When I called the official and asked for the notice copy, I was told none was issued,” Verma said.

The police stated that further action would be taken after the administration submitted its report.

Haryana Tribune