Conduct safety audits, hold emergency training: MoE to states, UTs after Rajasthan school roof collapse

Following the incident where seven school children died after a roof collapse at a Rajasthan school, Centre has asked the states and union territories to take measures to ensure student safety and well-being in schools. The Ministry of Education has issued a directive which 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.

MoE urged education departments, school boards, and affiliated authorities to act without delay in implementing the measures. Rajasthan education department had announced that classrooms will be conducted in the names of deceased students and compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the families of each child killed in school roof collapse.

“The Ministry of Education reaffirms its shared responsibility with states and union territories to ensure that no child or youth is put at risk due to preventable circumstances,” the ministry said.

Recently, Kerala government also ordered emergency safety audits in state-run schools after a portion of a roof collapsed in Alappuzha government school and a student died due to electric shock in Kollam school.

In October last year, the ministry directed all states and union territories to implement the school safety guidelines, amid the incidents of violence and sexual assault in institutions across the country. The guidelines fix the responsibility of student safety on the school head and management and suggest zero tolerance towards negligence on their part.

Also read Implement guidelines for safety, security of students: DoE to Delhi schools

MoE school safety guidelines

The recommendations of the education ministry include:

Preventive Safety Measures

All schools and public facilities used by children and youth must undergo safety audits in accordance with national safety codes and disaster management guidelines. Structural integrity, along with fire safety, emergency exits, and electrical wiring, must be thoroughly assessed.

Awareness and Training

It must be ensured that staff and students are trained in emergency preparedness, including evacuation drills, first aid, and safety protocols. Collaborations with local authorities (NDMA, fire services, police, and medical agencies) must be strengthened to conduct periodic training sessions and mock drills.

Psychosocial Well-being

In addition to physical safety, mental health and emotional well-being must be prioritised through counselling services, peer support systems, and community engagement initiatives.

Reporting Mechanism

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.

Public Responsibility

Parents, guardians, community leaders, and local bodies should be encouraged to remain vigilant and report unsafe conditions in schools, public areas, or modes of transportation used by children and youth.