Power Department Proposes Steps to Enhance Electrical Safety Accountability

Quick Summary

• A high-level meeting chaired by Kerala Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty decided on measures to improve electrical safety,including regular inspections and review meetings.
• The meeting was convened following the electrocution of 13-year-old Midhun at Boys’ High School, Thevalakkara, on July 17.
• District and state-level committees for preventing electrical accidents (formed through an October 1995 order) will meet before August 15.
• Inspections of electrical installations near schools, hospitals, government institutions, and religious establishments will be completed this month; power line safety inspections will conclude by August 15.
• Special software will be introduced to record electrical line inspections and follow-up actions.
• Vigilance committees at local levels are required to meet regularly under stricter accountability measures.
• Covered conductors will now be mandatory for all new power line constructions as per a strict implementation of a 2021 decision by Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).
• Unauthorised cables drawn on electric posts are to be removed promptly.
• ₹10 lakh ex gratia payment was confirmed under the Vydyuthi Suraksha Scheme for Midhun’s family after his accidental death; ₹5 lakh balance amount is set to be released next week.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The recent tragedy surrounding the electrocution of a school student has highlighted lapses in ensuring public safety around electrical installations. The government’s response-accelerated efforts in inspections near sensitive areas such as schools and hospitals-is welcome but also points toward systemic issues that require sustained attention. While steps like covered conductors may reduce future risks, effective enforcement remains critical.The introduction of technology-driven tools like specialized software coudl streamline accountability if implemented properly. However, achieving meaningful impact lies in ensuring vigilance committees operate consistently over time without lapsing into neglect once immediate concerns fade away.

Payouts under schemes like Vydyuthi Suraksha bring partial relief but cannot replace robust preventive mechanisms against such tragedies. Preventive action paired with accountability-not reactive compensation-should remain central focus areas for policymakers if similar incidents are to be avoided across Kerala or the broader nation.

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