KSHRC orders uninterrupted power for Munnar school

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has directed that the electricity connection to the Government Higher Secondary School in Munnar shall remain restored pending clarification regarding the ownership of the land.

Commission chairperson Alexander Thomas issued the order after the commission registered a suo motu case based on recent newspaper reports regarding the disconnection of power and water supply to the school. The commission had previously ordered the restoration of the power connection last October.

The Devikulam Sub-collector appeared before the commission during a sitting held in Thodupuzha. In his report, the Sub-collector stated that power to the school is provided by the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company. The company, as per the report, claimed that the school is location on its land and that the power connection could only be restored temporarily. Meanwhile, the school Principal said that the company warned that power would be disconnected again if the school fails to provide land ownership documents.

The commission has directed the Sub-collector to verify revenue documents in its possession and determine the official ownership of the school building and land. If the Kanan Devan company’s claim proves valid, a joint meeting must be convened with school and company authorities to secure a written agreement from the company to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the school.

The commission ordered that these actions be completed within a period of two to three months. Furthermore, it has been directed that the power connection shall remain uninterrupted throughout the duration of this process. Additionally, the Sub-collector is required to submit an action-taken report to the commission.