
School Safety Audits: In the wake of the tragic Jhalawar school roof collapse in Rajasthan that claimed the lives of seven students, the Central Government has taken a firm stance to prevent such incidents in the future. The Union Ministry of Education has directed all states and union territories to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of all schools—covering both government and private institutions—across India.
Centre’s Directive to States and UTs
The Education Ministry has sent an official letter to the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories, instructing them to conduct immediate safety inspections of school buildings and related public facilities. The audits must comply with the school safety guidelines of 2021 and the National Disaster Management Guidelines of 2016.
The ministry has classified the Jhalawar incident as a “major security lapse” and has warned that strict action will be taken against those found responsible if lapses are detected during the audits.
Key Areas of Inspection
The safety audits will focus on:
- Structural integrity of school buildings and associated public facilities.
- Fire safety measures and availability of firefighting equipment.
- Emergency exits and proper maintenance of electrical wiring.
- Mandatory availability of first aid boxes in all schools.
- Safety training and awareness programs for teachers, staff, and students.
- Establishment of a reporting mechanism for potential hazards and unsafe structures.
Public Participation Encouraged
The Education Ministry has also appealed to local representatives, parents, and social organizations to proactively report unsafe school infrastructures in their areas. Officials have urged citizens to collaborate with the administration to ensure the safety of children.
Nationwide School Count Highlights the Urgency
India currently has around 15 lakh schools, including government, aided, and private institutions. The ministry emphasized that this large number necessitates immediate and thorough audits to prevent future tragedies.
Similar Lapses Reported in Other States
The directive also referred to safety deficiencies recently identified in schools in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, highlighting the pressing need for stringent safety checks.
Government’s Commitment to Child Safety
The Central Government has made it clear that children’s safety is a top priority and that both government and private schools will be held accountable for structural and safety-related lapses.