Introduction

• The recent school building collapse in Jhalawar district, Rajasthan, which resulted in the deaths of seven children and injuries to several others, is not an isolated incident but a stark reflection of the systemic neglect in school infrastructure nationwide.
• Despite repeated warnings from the local community regarding the deteriorating condition of the structure, authorities failed to act—making this a case of avoidable and criminal negligence.
• This incident calls for urgent nationwide reform to ensure safe learning environments for all children in India.

India’s Widespread School Infrastructure Deficit

Findings from official surveys highlight alarming deficiencies:

• According to the ASER 2022 report, 22% of schools across 12 states are in a dilapidated state.
• Many lack essential facilities such as:
• Separate toilets for boys and girls.
• Safe drinking water.
• Functional classrooms, libraries, proper lighting, and ventilation.
• Stable roofing and basic structural safety.

Policy Neglect and Poor Execution

• The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates:
• Creation of safe, inclusive, and engaging school environments.
• Regular infrastructure audits.
• Increased public investment in education.
• However, on-the-ground implementation has been patchy and inadequate, failing to pre-empt infrastructure-related disasters.

Monsoon Season Exposes Structural Risks

• The rainy season reveals the fragility of neglected school buildings:
• Cracks, leaks, waterlogging, and unsafe electrical systems create serious hazards.
• Failure to conduct pre-monsoon safety inspections is a major lapse in preventive governance.

Unsafe Schools Violate Basic Human Rights

• The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 mandates minimum infrastructure standards for all schools.
• Unsafe schools violate:
• The RTE Act, which guarantees quality and equitable access to education.
• Article 21 of the Constitution, which protects the Right to Life.
• Infrastructure deficits are a key reason behind low enrolment and high dropout rates, especially in government schools.

Impact on Enrolment and Trust in Public Education

• In Rajasthan, government school enrolment for children aged 6–14 stands at approximately 60%, below the national average.
• Repeated incidents of school infrastructure failure erode public confidence, pushing parents toward:
• Costly private schooling.
• Higher dropout rates.
• Widening educational inequality between urban and rural, rich and poor.

Governmental and Judicial Responses

• The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognisance of the Jhalawar tragedy, demanding accountability reports from concerned authorities.
• The Central Government has ordered a nationwide safety audit of school infrastructure.
• For these measures to be effective, they must ensure:
• Transparent execution through independent agencies.
• Strict timelines for compliance.
• Dedicated funding for renovation and new construction.

Root Causes of the Infrastructure Crisis

a) Insufficient Budget Allocation

• Many states, including Rajasthan, have not prioritised school maintenance in their budgets.
• Public expenditure on education in most states remains below the 6% of GDP recommendation by the NEP.

b) Administrative Negligence

• Poor coordination among district education officials, engineers, and school heads leads to oversight.
• Absence of real-time grievance redress systems contributes to weak accountability.

c) Lack of Systematic Monitoring

• Infrastructure inspections are often irregular, formalistic, or symbolic.
• Education departments lack trained technical staff to evaluate building safety or structural integrity.

Strategic Solutions and the Way Forward

a) Mandatory Comprehensive Safety Audits

• Every school should undergo annual structural and electrical inspections.
• Audits should be conducted by state PWD engineers or certified third-party experts.

b) Creation of Dedicated Infrastructure Funds

• Introduce a separate budget line for:
• Repairing unsafe buildings.
• Modernizing classrooms and sanitation.
• Routine maintenance of facilities.

c) Empowering Local Stakeholders

• School Management Committees (SMCs) must be empowered to:
• Identify and report safety issues.
• Act as community watchdogs in the infrastructure monitoring process.

d) Strict Enforcement of RTE Norms

• The central government must ensure state-level compliance with RTE infrastructure mandates.
• Schools failing to meet safety criteria should face:
• Time-bound corrective actions.
• Administrative penalties or even temporary closure.

e) Technology-Based Monitoring

• Deploy mobile apps to report and track infrastructure issues.
• Use geo-tagging and real-time monitoring to oversee the physical condition of school facilities.

f) Disaster Preparedness and Safety Training

• Schools must conduct emergency drills for students and staff.
• Teachers should be trained in:
• Basic first aid.
• Fire safety procedures.
• Evacuation protocols during natural or structural emergencies.

Conclusion

• The Jhalawar school building collapse is not just a tragic accident—it is a symbol of chronic administrative neglect in public education infrastructure.
• Protecting children’s safety in schools is not optional—it is both a legal imperative and a moral responsibility.
• If India aims to realise its demographic dividend and fulfill the vision of the NEP 2020, then ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of every school-going child must be made non-negotiable.