3,700 Rajasthan govt schools to get safety repairs after IIT-Jodhpur audit
Jaipur: Thousands of government schools across Rajasthan are set for a major safety upgrade after a technical audit by experts from IIT Jodhpur flagged structural concerns in school buildings, particularly those with stone-slab roofs.
The state education department has initiated repairs in around 3,700 schools, following recommendations emerging from the safety assessment. The exercise will also include construction of 13,724 new classrooms and 2,230 toilets, according to the department.
The audit was ordered after the Rajasthan High Court directed the government to ensure that teaching does not take place in buildings or classrooms that are damaged or unsafe. During a review meeting, additional chief secretary, education, Rajesh Yadav, said the department had started acting on the technical recommendations.
The IIT Jodhpur report has highlighted the need for both immediate repairs and regular monitoring. Experts have recommended visual inspections, isolation of unsafe areas, repairing cracks in stone-slab roofs, strengthening joints and using steel I-beams wherever structurally necessary.
The report has also called for a more systematic approach to maintenance. Periodic inspections, proper maintenance records, waterproofing and timely repair of corrosion or damaged concrete have been suggested to prevent small defects from turning into major structural problems. Experts have also recommended ‘hammer-tapping tests’ to identify hollow or weakened concrete.
The need is particularly significant in Rajasthan, where several government schools continue to operate from ageing buildings. A review of government data also showed gaps in basic infrastructure. As many as 611 government schools reportedly have no building, including 10 girls’ schools, while 2,047 schools lack toilets. In addition, 1,049 state-run schools were found to be without drinking-water facilities.
For students, the exercise goes beyond repairing walls and roofs. A safe classroom is the most basic requirement for learning. The real challenge now will be to ensure that the repairs are completed properly—and that regular inspections continue even after the immediate safety concerns have been addressed.
Image Source: https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/education/rajasthan-orders-fresh-safety-audit-of-all-government-school-buildings/132115507
