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After 7 children died in a school collapse in Rajasthan, the Education Ministry has directed states to audit school safety, structural integrity, and ensure emergency readiness.
MoE Orders Safety Audits in Schools After Rajasthan Building Collapse Kills 7 Students.
In the wake of a tragic incident in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district, where a portion of a government school collapsed on Friday claiming the lives of seven children and injuring 28 others, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has issued a directive to all states and Union Territories (UTs), mandating comprehensive audits of safety mechanisms and facilities for children in schools, officials said on Saturday.
The Education Ministry has also stressed the need to ensure the structural integrity of all school buildings across the country. The move comes amid growing concerns over the safety infrastructure in educational institutions, especially government-run schools in rural and semi-urban areas.
“States and UTs must take urgent steps to ensure students’ safety and well-being. This includes mandatory safety audits of schools and child-related facilities as per national safety codes, training for staff and students in emergency preparedness, and the provision of psychosocial support through counselling and peer networks,” a senior MoE official said.
The official further added, “Structural integrity, along with fire safety, emergency exits, and electrical wiring, must be thoroughly assessed. It must be ensured that staff and students are trained in emergency preparedness, including evacuation drills, first aid, and safety protocols.”
To enhance readiness for emergencies, the ministry has recommended that collaborations with local authorities such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), fire services, police, and medical agencies be strengthened. These partnerships will be key in organising regular training sessions and mock drills within school premises.
The Ministry has also underlined the importance of mental health support in schools. In addition to physical safety, it stated that emotional and psychological well-being must be prioritised through the provision of counselling services, peer support systems, and active community engagement.
“Any dangerous situation, near miss, or incident involving potential harm to children or youth must be reported within 24 hours to the designated state or UT authority. Strict accountability must be ensured in cases of delay, negligence, or failure to act,” the official said.
The directive also calls on parents, guardians, community leaders, and local bodies to remain vigilant and proactively report unsafe conditions not only in schools but also in public areas and transportation systems used by children.
“The ministry has urged education departments, school boards, and affiliated authorities to act without delay in implementing the above measures,” the official added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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