Zero Tolerance for Unsafe Schools: The Centre’s New Directive
- Sept. 30, 2025, 3:23 p.m.
The Central government has addressed all Union Territories and states to immediately evaluate the safety of private, government-aided, and government school buildings. Authorities must carry out safety audits under national guidelines to find out dilapidated or unused buildings.
On Monday (18.8.2020), the Union Education Minister told the Lok Sabha that officials must repair or demolish unsafe structures and stop their use until capable engineers certify them safe based on the August 7 directive.
Mr Pradhan said states must arrange temporary premises for classes where major repairs or demolition are needed, reacting to a question from MP Alok Kumar Suman. He included that cleared spaces may be transformed into nutrition gardens, skill-based training facilities or playgrounds for children.
Instructions to UTs and States:
Immediate Identification
Authorities must quickly audit all school structures to find out unused or dilapidated buildings in line with national safety guidelines.
Repair or Demolition
Officials must immediately repair or demolish unsafe buildings and forbid their use for classes until safe certification.
Use of Cleared Spaces
Schools may reuse the demolished parts for Poshan Vatikas, vocational training, playgrounds, or other children's activities.
Temporary Placements
States must offer safe temporary areas to ensure continuous education during major demolitions or repairs.
Regular Monitoring & Reporting
Local Authorities and District Education Officers must monitor repair or demolition development and submit reports monthly to disaster management authorities (SDMA/DDMA) and state departments.
Compliance Certificate
Schools may employ newly constructed or repaired buildings only after engineers provide structural fitness and safety certificates.
The ministry has recommended that UTs and states must act swiftly and has notified that failing to follow these instructions could invite action under relevant legal provisions.
