Five Officials Suspended in Jhalawar School Collapse
The Rajasthan government has suspended five education department officials after a tragic school roof collapse in Piplodi village of Jhalawar district claimed the lives of seven students and injured more than 25 others. The action comes amid public outrage and political pressure over the incident, which has raised serious questions about infrastructure safety in government schools.
Suspension Follows Negligence Allegations
The officials suspended include the school’s principal and four teachers who were present during the collapse. Survivors revealed that pieces of plaster had begun falling from the ceiling before the collapse, and despite student complaints, they were instructed to remain seated. Authorities believe the staff failed to act on visible warning signs, which contributed to the tragedy. The suspended officials are now under investigation by a special inquiry committee.
Students Trapped as Roof Collapses During Prayer
The collapse occurred around 7:45 AM while over 35 students of Classes 6 and 7 were gathered for morning prayers. The roof of the classroom gave way suddenly, burying several students under the rubble. Many injured students were rushed to hospitals on motorcycles due to a delay in ambulance response. At least ten students remain in critical condition.
Government Announces Compensation and Inquiry
Education Minister Madan Dilawar accepted moral responsibility for the incident. The state has announced ₹10 lakh ex gratia to the families of the deceased and promised contractual government jobs to one family member of each. New classrooms will be built on the site and named in memory of the children. A high-level committee has been tasked with investigating the structural failure and fixing responsibility.
Protests Erupt, Police Deployed
The incident triggered widespread protests in the village and at local hospitals. Tensions escalated, forcing the administration to deploy additional police forces to control the situation. Angry residents have demanded accountability beyond temporary suspensions and called for immediate infrastructure improvements in schools.
State Orders Building Safety Audits
In response, the Chief Minister has directed all departments to conduct structural audits of government buildings—especially schools and hospitals—within five days. Buildings found unsafe will be vacated immediately, and students will be relocated to safer locations.
Political and Public Backlash Grows
Opposition leaders have criticized the government for ignoring earlier warnings about the building’s condition. They have called for criminal charges against responsible officials and a complete audit of school infrastructure across the state. The incident has reignited debate over the crumbling conditions in rural government schools and the lack of timely intervention by authorities.
