The dilapidated condition of government schools in Rajasthan is once again in the spotlight. Following the recent collapse of a government school roof in Jhalawar district, which resulted in the tragic death of seven innocent children, the education department has reviewed the condition of school buildings across the state. The report has categorized 2,710 school buildings statewide as requiring serious repairs. A proposal of ₹79.24 crore has been prepared for the renovation of these schools, but the budget is still awaiting approval from the finance department.
₹254 Crore Plan Stuck in Files
According to the education department's report, a plan has been formulated at a total cost of ₹254 crore for the repair and structural safety of school buildings. However, most of these proposals are stuck in files due to lack of approval from the finance department. Education experts and social activists say that this delay is equivalent to putting children's lives at risk.
Another 2,000 Schools Identified as Unsafe
In the current financial year 2024-25, the state government has identified another 2,000 school buildings in the 'unsafe' category, for whose repair a separate budget of ₹174.97 crore has been demanded. But budget approval has not been received for these either. The situation in Jhalawar district is considered particularly worrying, where 83 building structures have been declared dangerous in the risk assessment for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Roof Collapsed During Prayer
A major accident occurred in Piplodi village of Jhalawar last Friday when a portion of a government school roof collapsed during morning prayers. Seven children died in this tragic accident, while 28 children were seriously injured. A wave of grief and outrage has swept across the state due to this incident. Villagers have accused the administration of negligence. People's anger further increased when the administration completely demolished the collapsed school building within a few hours.
Opposition Raised Serious Questions on Administration
Political rhetoric has also intensified in this entire matter. Congress leader Pramod Jain Bhaya alleged that the administration tried to erase evidence by hastily demolishing the school building after the accident. Demanding an impartial investigation, he said that this matter is related to the safety of children, which cannot be taken lightly.
At the same time, senior BJP leader and former cabinet minister Pratap Singh Singhvi also expressed displeasure. He said that this tragedy occurred due to the negligence of the state government and bureaucracy, as timely action could not be taken on the dangerous schools that had been identified. He demanded that the administration take strict steps in this direction immediately.
