'Evacuation drills, first aid training': Education ministry directs compulsory school safety inspections in India

This follows a deadly collapse of a government school building in Rajasthan's Jhalawar district on July 25 that killed seven children and injured 28 others.

The Ministry of Education has instructed all Union Territories and states to conduct compulsory safety inspections at schools and other child-related public buildings. The action is in accordance with the National Disaster Management Guidelines for School Safety and follows after several incidents occurred, killing a number of individuals.

Then comes the news of a devastating collapse of a government school building in Rajasthan's Jhalawar district on July 25, claiming the lives of seven children and injuring 28 others.

All schools and public buildings utilized by children and youth shall be subjected to safety inspections in conformity with the national safety codes and the disaster management guidelines. The structural safety coupled with fire protection, emergency doors and electrical installations shall be carefully checked," the directive noted.

The ministry also stated that schools must be ready for emergencies such as fire or natural disasters.

"Collaborations with the local authorities (NDMA, fire services, police and medical agencies) need to be enhanced for regular training and mock drills. In addition to physical safety, mental well-being and emotional well-being through counseling services, peer-support mechanisms and community involvement need to be ensured," the directive further said.

This will involve evacuation drills, first aid and the creation of mechanisms to enable students' emotional well-being.

24-hour reporting rule and accountability

The ministry has made reporting of any incident or situation with potential danger to children compulsory within a span of 24 hours to the concerned state authorities.

It has also requested that state governments rectify responsibility in instances of delay, inaction, or negligence. Parents, guardians, community leaders and local bodies have been requested to be on their guard and report unsafe schools, public areas, and transport used by children.

Recent school collapse incidents

Only days after the Jhalawar collapse, the roof of a government school in Karthikappally, Alappuzha, collapsed on July 21. On July 18, one person was killed and another trapped as a portion of a school roof collapsed in Ranchi, Jharkhand.