SRINAGAR: The Directorate of School Education (DSE), Jammu, on Thursday directed that no government or private educational institution, including coaching institutes and centres, in the flood-affected areas of Jammu Division shall resume physical classes unless their premises are declared structurally safe by the competent authority.
In a circular issued on July 23, the Directorate said the directive follows recent heavy rainfall and flooding that reportedly caused structural damage to several educational institutions across the division, making them unsafe for students and staff.
The circular stated that institutions affected by flooding, structural damage or any visible signs of distress must remain closed until a thorough inspection is completed and formal safety clearance is granted. It stressed that the safety, security and wellbeing of students, teachers and other staff must remain the highest priority, adding that no compromise would be permitted on safety standards.
The Directorate instructed all Heads of Institutions to conduct comprehensive inspections of school buildings, classrooms, boundary walls, electrical installations, drinking water facilities, sanitation blocks, playgrounds and other essential infrastructure before reopening. They have also been asked to assess the safety of approach roads and routes used by students and staff, taking into account waterlogging, landslides, damaged electricity poles, fallen trees and other hazards.
The circular further directed schools to consult district administrations, Revenue authorities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Municipal Bodies, District Disaster Management Authorities and other concerned agencies wherever necessary before resuming academic activities.
It said any building showing cracks, excessive seepage, weakened structures or other safety concerns must immediately be referred to the competent authority for structural assessment, and such buildings must not be used until declared fit.
The Directorate also instructed institutions to ensure that classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities and electrical systems are cleaned, disinfected, inspected and fully functional before reopening, while school premises must be cleared of debris and other potential hazards.
Where school buildings are found unsafe or unavailable, Chief Education Officers have been directed to coordinate with district administrations to arrange alternative learning spaces, including community halls, Panchayat Ghars, government buildings or, where feasible and with the consent of the management, religious institutions. Any alternative venue must provide safe drinking water, sanitation, adequate seating, ventilation and a secure learning environment.
The circular also made it mandatory for every Head of Institution to submit a School Readiness Report certifying compliance with all safety requirements before reopening. Chief Education Officers have been directed to compile the reports and submit a consolidated compliance report to the Directorate through the concerned Joint Directors in the prescribed format.
The Directorate instructed Joint Directors and Chief Education Officers to personally monitor implementation of the safety measures, keep the Directorate informed about damaged school buildings and alternative arrangements, and ensure strict compliance with the directions.
