Chennai School Students Face Daily Disturbance from Nearby Liquor Shop Tipplers
Students attending Vidhya Matric School in Jalladianpet, Chennai, are confronting a troubling daily reality that extends beyond the typical challenges of traffic and dust pollution from ongoing metro rail construction. They must also navigate the unpredictable presence of tipplers who consume alcohol just a stone's throw away from their educational institution.
Incidents of Public Drinking Near School Premises
From individuals lying on pavements adjacent to the school to occasional drinking near the main gate, these boozers are causing significant issues for a section of staff and students periodically. A student shared a firsthand account, stating, "A few weeks ago, I passed a man who was lying on the road on my way home. My friends have also witnessed such instances."
Security personnel at the school noted that such acts are mostly confined to after-school hours. A security guard explained, "People buy liquor from the shop and sometimes drink opposite the school or in Thiruvalluvar Nagar Street, opposite the gate."
Legal Distance and School Management's Concerns
A recent visit by journalists revealed that the Tasmac liquor shop is situated approximately 90 meters from the school. This distance is just 40 meters more than the permissible limit of 50 meters for setting up liquor shops near educational institutions and hospitals within corporations and municipalities.
An official from the school management expressed concern, stating that while the tipplers have not yet created any major ruckus, relocating the shop would be beneficial for the larger interest of the students. The official highlighted past issues, saying, "In the past, we have faced issues with petty shops near the school selling cigarettes and tobacco products. We later got them sealed. For the Tasmac shop, we haven't raised a complaint yet as no major incident has happened. But we will be glad if it is removed."
Tasmac's Response and Legal Standpoint
When contacted, Tasmac district manager Mageswari Kanchi asserted that the outlet is operating well within the bounds of the law. She clarified, "Only in panchayats is the mandated distance for a Tasmac shop from a school 100 meters. In corporations and municipalities, it is 50 meters. If there are any issues with miscreants, the school can raise a complaint and we can coordinate with the police to see what can be done."
Educationists Advocate for Moral Considerations Over Legalities
Educationists and parent representatives argue that authorities should approach this issue from a moral perspective rather than strictly a legal one. S Arumainathan of the TN Students Parents Welfare Association emphasized, "Seeing people drink in person can create a negative influence on students, resulting in social disorder. There have been several such cases in the past. Authorities cannot say they are legally safe, hiding behind a 40-meter safe zone. The government must relocate the shop."
This situation underscores a broader debate about the balance between legal compliance and the welfare of young students, with calls for action to ensure a safer and more conducive learning environment.
