Rajasthan HC orders closure of 86,000 unsafe classrooms in govt schools

The Rajasthan High Court has directed immediate closure of thousands of unsafe classrooms in government schools, following a safety review triggered by a recent roof collapse in Jhalawar.

The court ordered that 86,934 classrooms identified as dilapidated be locked and declared out of use.

It also stressed that alternative arrangements must be made so that children’s education continues without interruption.

A survey covering 63,018 schools and 526,162 classrooms found that apart from the dilapidated rooms, 5,667 schools were marked entirely unsafe.

Sanitation infrastructure was also in poor condition, with 17,109 toilets in a broken state and another 29,093 needing urgent repairs.

The urgency of the matter grew after another recent accident in Jaisalmer, where a school gate collapse caused injuries.

The HC has now sought a technical verification report from engineers, to be submitted by Sept 4.

The deteriorating state of school infrastructure came under public scrutiny when images of crumbling classrooms, leaking roofs, and unsafe facilities circulated widely on social media. Civil groups and residents pressed for swift government action.

Independent assessments also revealed that about 5,500 schools, nearly 9% of those examined, require complete rebuilding.

Before the HC issued its directive, the Chief Minister had already instructed officials to inspect all school buildings, hospitals, and other public structures.

A panel of technical experts was asked to prepare a detailed report within five days.

However, reports suggested that some school principals were pressured by local authorities to certify weak structures as safe, raising concerns over accountability and the risks posed to children and staff.