Rajasthan school tragedy: Need to prioritise students' safety

IT wasn’t an act of God that claimed the lives of seven children when a portion of a government school building collapsed in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district. It was criminal negligence on the part of the administration — no remedial action was taken even after local residents alerted the tehsildar and the sub-divisional magistrate that the building was unsafe. Ironically, the district authorities had recently told the education department to provide information about dilapidated school buildings, but this one did not figure on the list. Why not? Officials concerned — or rather, unconcerned – owe an explanation.Regular inspection and maintenance of school buildings are critically important during the rainy season in particular. Identifying structures which require immediate repair ought to be a basic exercise; classes simply cannot be allowed as long as a classroom remains unfit for use. And a disaster is always waiting to happen whenever a fitness certificate is issued without due diligence.It’s a regrettable practice in India to close the stable door after the horse has bolted. Earlier this week, the Kerala government decided to conduct an emergency safety audit in state-run schools after a portion of a roof collapsed in a government school in Alappuzha and a 13-year-old boy died after suffering an electric shock on the campus in Kollam. Rajasthan is expected to follow in Kerala’s footsteps; other states may also do likewise. Every state’s audit must zero in on the school buildings which are in such bad shape that they need to be demolished urgently. Any delay or laxity on this count can cost more lives. The campus is ideally a place for children to learn and grow in myriad ways. Turning it into a death trap violates the spirit of the National Education Policy, which envisages a safe learning environment for every student. Hopefully, the Jhalawar tragedy will rouse stakeholders to prioritise safety on the campus.

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