Govt schools told to keep students out of unsafe buildings

Jaipur: Ahead of the monsoon, the education department Thursday issued guidelines directing govt schools not to seat students in unsafe buildings as they prepare to reopen Monday. The department asked schools to clean terraces, clear drains and pipelines of garbage, and prevent water accumulation on and around school premises.The department instructed officials to ensure that only classrooms that are completely safe are used for teaching, and that alternative arrangements are made wherever necessary.“The safety of students and teachers is paramount for the department. Unsafe or dilapidated school buildings must not be used for teaching or any other purpose, and student entry into such areas must be prohibited to prevent any loss of life or property,” state the guidelines.The department also instructed district-level officials to ensure that if bulging plaster or unsafe walls are detected during inspections, immediate action is taken in accordance with the rules to prevent any untoward incidents.District officials have also been directed to immediately cordon off school buildings, classrooms or other structures found to be in a dilapidated condition using barriers such as ropes, bamboo poles or danger signs.

The guidelines also state that if a school building is damaged due to a natural disaster, including heavy rainfall, the “principal must ensure a detailed assessment is conducted.”The assessment must involve an assistant or junior engineer and technical officers to prepare repair proposals and cost estimates, which must then be submitted to the State Project Director, Rajasthan School Education Council, Jaipur.GFX- Emergency Preparedness- Schools must compile a list of the nearest hospitals, police stations and fire stations- Obtain official telephone numbers- Display details on school notice board- Regular electrical wiring maintenance- Tape exposed wires