Centre directs states, UTs to conduct safety audits of buildings

A day after seven students died in a school building collapse incident in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan, the Centre asked all states and Union Territories (UTs) to immediately conduct safety audits of schools and public facilities used by children in accordance with national safety codes and disaster management guidelines.

- Sanjay Maurya

In an advisory issued on Saturday, the Union ministry of education (MoE) has urged states and UT administrations to thoroughly assess structural integrity along with fire safety, emergency exits, and electrical wiring. It also called for training for staff and students in emergency preparedness, and the provision of psychosocial support through counselling and peer networks.