CM’s directive spurs action: Basic Education Dept to raze dilapidated Schools

• Department intensifies campaign against unsafe school infrastructure
• No compromise on safety: Dilapidated schools to be identified and demolished across UP
• Safety is non-negotiable; negligence won't be spared: Sandeep Singh
• Time-bound, effective, and concrete action mandatory on safety concerns: Shyamkishore

Lucknow news: Acting on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s stern directive, the Basic Education Department has swung into action to tackle unsafe infrastructure in council schools. Districts across the state have been instructed to urgently identify, verify, and demolish dilapidated buildings, with student and teacher safety placed at the highest priority.

The decision follows recent revelations about hazardous buildings in school campuses that posed risks to students' lives and negatively impacted the department’s image. The department’s new focus is clear: safety, accountability, and swift action.

Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh asserted that children’s safety is non-negotiable. He warned that if any incident of structural collapse or accident is reported, the concerned officer will be held directly accountable and face strict departmental action.

Based on reports received from various districts, immediate identification of unsafe structures is underway. The list will be submitted to the technical committee for verification and evaluation. District officials are responsible for ensuring that this process is completed within a set timeframe. Instructions have also been issued for prompt verification and reporting of previously identified structures.

No academic activities will be permitted in buildings declared unsafe by the technical committee. Alternative teaching arrangements must be made in safe classrooms, school buildings, panchayat bhawans, or village secretariats.

As per the guidelines issued, if any unsafe structure cannot be demolished immediately, it must be marked with warnings such as “Unusable” or “Entry Prohibited” on all four sides. These buildings must also be completely sealed with masonry to prevent student access.

Waterlogging, debris, and leaf accumulation on rooftops lead to seepage and building damage. Hence, regular cleaning and water drainage on school rooftops will be ensured through local bodies like the municipal or village panchayats.

Safety is paramount; negligence will not be tolerated

Several schools still have severely damaged structures that pose a serious risk to the lives of students and teachers. Although prior instructions were issued by the administration, recent images published in newspapers have damaged the department’s credibility. Therefore, time-bound, effective, and concrete action is now essential. This initiative by the Basic Education Department aims to ensure physical safety on school premises and restore public confidence in council schools.
– Shyamkishore Tiwari, Expert, Construction Unit

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