In a concerning incident that has once again highlighted the deteriorating state of government school infrastructure in Rajasthan, eleven stone slabs forming the roof of a verandah collapsed at the Government Higher Secondary School in Jashma village of Chittorgarh district on Thursday night. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the school was closed for summer vacations at the time of the incident.
Details of the Incident
The collapse occurred around 10 PM, when the school premises were empty. The verandah, which is part of the main building, had its roof supported by stone slabs that gave way suddenly. Local residents alerted the school authorities, who then informed the district education department. A team of officials visited the site on Friday morning to assess the damage and initiate repair work.
Renewed Concerns Over School Safety
This incident comes amid a statewide inspection of school buildings ordered by the Rajasthan government following a tragic collapse in Piplod village of Jhalawar district last year, which claimed the lives of seven students. The Jhalawar incident had prompted the government to conduct structural audits of all government schools across the state. However, the latest collapse in Chittorgarh suggests that many schools still have vulnerable structures that require urgent attention.
Education activists have expressed dismay over the slow pace of repairs and inspections. They argue that while the government has issued directives, implementation on the ground remains weak. Many schools in rural areas continue to operate in dilapidated buildings with poor maintenance.
Government Response
District education officer of Chittorgarh, when contacted, stated that a detailed inspection of the school was conducted earlier this year, but the verandah roof was not flagged as a risk. He assured that a fresh structural audit of all schools in the district would be expedited. Meanwhile, the school principal has been asked to ensure that the damaged portion is cordoned off and repaired before the school reopens after the summer break.
The incident has also sparked a debate on social media, with many calling for stricter accountability and faster action to prevent any future mishaps. As the state government prepares for the upcoming monsoon season, there is growing pressure to ensure that all school buildings are safe for students and staff.
