New Delhi: In a major step to enhance student safety, the Central government has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct an immediate safety audit of all school buildings, including government, government-aided, and private institutions. The directive aims to identify and address structural vulnerabilities in line with national safety guidelines.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan informed the Lok Sabha on Monday that, as per the directive issued on August 7, unsafe or dilapidated school buildings must be repaired, retrofitted, or demolished without delay. He stressed that such structures must not be used for classes until certified safe by competent engineers.

Responding to a question by MP Alok Kumar Suman, the minister said temporary arrangements should be made for classes where major repairs or demolition are necessary. Additionally, the cleared spaces may be repurposed as playgrounds, nutrition gardens (Poshan Vatikas), or areas for vocational and skill-based training for students.

The government has outlined key directives for states and UTs, including urgent identification of unsafe structures, prompt demolition or repairs, and strict prohibition on using unsafe premises. District Education Officers and local authorities are required to monitor progress regularly and submit monthly reports to state education departments and disaster management authorities.

Fresh occupancy of repaired or reconstructed buildings will only be allowed after obtaining a safety or structural fitness certificate from qualified engineers. The Education Ministry has warned that non-compliance may attract action under relevant legal provisions, emphasizing the urgent need for strict adherence to safety measures.