Who is responsible?

Sir, - It was distressing to read about the Erwadi fire tragedy (Aug. 7). The District administration, led by the Collector, has the responsibility to ensure good living conditions for the disabled, particularly those in the care of an NGO. It is surprising that the District Collectorate had not taken any steps to prevent such an incident.

Senior bureaucrats and Ministers are supposed to ensure that the disabled persons are properly looked after. Instead of fixing the responsibility on them, the Government has asked the police to act against those running the centre. Though the Government extends financial support to some extent to such centres and there are departments to help the disabled, the fact is that the NGOs need more financial help and not just lip-sympathy.

N.S. Venkataraman,

Chennai

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Section  : Opinion
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