Centre Calls For Safety Audit Of Schools Across India After 7 Killed In Rajasthan Roof Collapse

Last Updated:July 26, 2025, 23:22 is

After seven students died in Jhalawar, the Union government ordered mandatory school safety audits nationwide, focusing on structural integrity and emergency preparedness.

In wake of the death of seven students in a tragic incident in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar after a portion of a government school building collapsed, the Union government on Saturday issued a directive to all states and Union territories to mandatorily conduct audits of safety mechanisms and facilities for children in all schools.

The Ministry of Education in its directive has called for schools to ensure the structural integrity of school infrastructure, news agency PTI reported.

“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 official of the ministry said as quoted by the news agency.

“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,” he added.

The ministry also recommended that collaborations with local authorities (NDMA, fire services, police, and medical agencies) must be strengthened to conduct periodic training sessions and mock drills.

“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 added.

The directive further mandated the schools to take into account students’ physical safety, mental health and emotional well-being and establish a reporting mechanism for safety concerns. It said that students’ mental and emotional well-being must be prioritised through counselling services, peer support systems, and community engagement initiatives.

The advisory issued by the ministry also highlights public responsibility by encouraging parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant and report unsafe conditions in schools, public spaces, or student transportation.

In a firm closing statement, the Ministry has urged all Education Departments, School Boards, and affiliated authorities to act “without delay” in implementing the measures. It reiterates the collective responsibility to ensure that “no child or youth is put at risk due to preventable circumstances.”

The directive from the Centre came a day after a portion of a government school in Jhalawar collapsed, killing seven children and leaving 28 injured.

The roof of the classroom at Piplodi Primary School suddenly collapsed while students were attending classes. A massive rescue operation was launched immediately, with police, local residents and officials working together to pull students from the debris.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma called it a tragic incident, describing it as extremely sad and heartbreaking.

(With inputs from agencies)

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More

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