NHRC seeks report on unsafe Bihar school building, 191 students at risk

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Darbhanga district magistrate within two weeks over the unsafe condition of a government primary school in Kiratpur village, Bihar, where a collapsing roof has raised concerns about the safety of 191 students and school staff.

Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report, the commission said the situation, if confirmed, raised serious concerns over possible human rights violations and warranted its intervention.

The school building’s main supporting pillar reportedly collapsed three to four months ago. Since then, wooden benches, desks and bricks have been used as a makeshift arrangement to support the leaking roof, leaving the structure in a precarious condition.

Constructed in 1983 under the Centre’s Operation Blackboard programme, the school has developed several structural defects, including damaged beams and pillars, a leaking roof, fallen plaster and exposed reinforcement bars.

Although classes are reportedly not being held beneath the section supported by the makeshift arrangement, students and teachers continue to pass through the area, according to school authorities.

Shortage of classrooms compounds the problem

The school has only two rooms available for students from Classes I to V. One of these rooms is being used to store office furniture and an almirah, forcing classes to be conducted in open areas because of the shortage of space.

Assistant teacher Pawan Kumar Choudhary said the education department and other officials had been informed repeatedly about the building’s condition, but the danger persisted. Villagers have also staged protests demanding a permanent solution.

“After the pillar collapsed, benches and desks were used to support the roof. The danger remains,” Choudhary said.

Headmaster Rajendra Kumar said officials at both the block and district levels had been approached several times and written communications had also been submitted regarding the building’s condition.

Department says new building planned

Darbhanga District Education Officer Vidyanand Thakur said steps had been initiated to construct a new school building and that the existing structure had been declared unsafe.

He also said no teaching activity was being conducted in the old building.

The NHRC’s notice puts the spotlight on the need to address the school’s infrastructure problems and establish what steps have been taken to protect students and staff from potential harm.