In the wake of recent school building collapses, the Ministry of Education has issued an urgent advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs), calling for immediate safety audits of all schools and child-centric public facilities. The directive comes after two tragic incidents: the partial collapse of a government school building in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district on July 19, which claimed seven student lives, and a roof collapse in Ranchi, Jharkhand, that resulted in one death and several injuries during heavy rainfall.
The ministry’s directive prioritizes both the physical and mental well-being of students. It mandates comprehensive audits to assess structural integrity, fire safety compliance, emergency exits, electrical infrastructure, and the safety of student transport, all in accordance with national disaster management and safety standards. Any deficiencies identified must be promptly addressed, with clear accountability assigned to prevent future incidents.
Emergency preparedness has also been made mandatory. Schools are required to conduct regular evacuation drills, first-aid training, and safety protocol exercises in collaboration with local disaster management authorities, fire departments, and healthcare agencies.
Equally emphasized is the need for psychosocial support. Schools must provide counseling services, build peer support networks, and involve communities to foster emotional resilience—especially important in the aftermath of traumatic events.
The directive also requires all hazardous incidents or near-misses to be reported to the respective state or UT authorities within 24 hours, with strict measures in place for delays or negligence.
The Ministry has called on parents, community members, and local bodies to remain vigilant and report unsafe conditions in and around schools to protect children’s safety.
This advisory reinforces the Ministry's 2021 “Guidelines on School Safety and Security,” which outline accountability, risk prevention, and structured reporting protocols across all categories of schools to build a secure and inclusive educational environment.