What Measures is the Government Taking to Ensure School Buildings are Safe?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Minister of State for School Education has outlined significant steps to enhance the safety of school buildings. Following tragic incidents, the state government is committed to thorough inspections and necessary renovations, ensuring a secure learning environment for students. This initiative aims to protect the wellbeing of children and address infrastructure concerns across the state's schools.
Key Takeaways
- Safety audits will identify unsafe school buildings.
- Classes will be suspended in buildings deemed dangerous.
- New classrooms will be constructed to replace dilapidated ones.
- Local self-governing bodies are urged to participate in construction efforts.
- Collaboration with multiple departments is essential for solving agricultural issues in Shahapur.
Mumbai, July 17 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Minister of State for School Education, Pankaj Bhoyar, announced on Thursday that the state government is implementing numerous measures to enhance the structural safety of school buildings throughout the state.
During a half-hour discussion in the state council, he specified that classes will be prohibited in any buildings deemed unsafe following a structural audit.
He emphasized the importance of demolishing unsafe structures and replacing them with new ones, stating that the permissions obtained by privately managed schools from local authorities will be scrutinized. All educational institutions statewide will be required to secure approved architectural plans.
Minister Bhoyar referenced a tragic incident in which three students lost their lives due to a classroom ceiling collapse in Ahmednagar district. In response, a comprehensive structural audit was performed on all Zilla Parishad primary schools in the district. So far, 2,538 classrooms have been de-listed, and the construction of 1,462 new classrooms has been finalized, while 3,435 classrooms have undergone repairs.
Regarding schools in the Pune district, he noted that out of 368 dilapidated classrooms, 234 are currently under construction, with an expenditure of ₹3.5 crore. A total budget of ₹9 crore has been allocated for municipal schools in the financial year 2024-25.
Member Amol Mitkari highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure in schools situated in tribal villages. In response, Minister Bhoyar committed to directing all education officers to conduct inspections and report back to local representatives.
As the ownership of school buildings lies with the Zilla Parishad, Municipal Corporation, or Municipality, the minister urged local self-governing bodies to take proactive steps in school construction.
Meanwhile, Bharat Gogawale, Minister of Salt Land Development, addressed the state council regarding the challenges faced by farmers in the salt marshes of the Shahapur area in Raigad district. He assured that a collaborative meeting involving all relevant departments would be convened to address the issues.
During a discussion initiated by member Praveen Darekar about the challenges in Shahapur, he stated that the Motha Pada (Shahapur) scheme spans 423 hectares, of which 387.51 hectares have been acquired by the MIDC. This acquisition has significantly impacted local farmers' agriculture and livelihoods over the past 15 years.
“The intrusion of saltwater into agricultural land from the creeks has disrupted both rice farming and fisheries. This concern extends beyond Shahapur, affecting villages along the creek throughout Raigad district. Farmers are severely impacted, making it imperative to address this issue promptly. It involves four departments—Industry, Environment, Revenue, Forest, and MIDC. Therefore, a meeting of all relevant officials, local MLAs, and farmer representatives will be organized shortly to reach a concrete decision in the presence of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister,” he stated.
Minister Gogawale also mentioned the proliferation of mangroves due to the saltwater, which has complicated agricultural activities. As mangroves are protected, the forest department's restrictions hinder farmers from cultivating on their own land.
A meeting will be organized to seek solutions to this pressing problem.
Point of View
We recognize the urgent need for improved infrastructure in schools, particularly following recent tragedies. The measures announced by Maharashtra's government demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguarding students. Ensuring that every child learns in a secure environment is not just a priority but a necessity. NationPress is committed to following this development closely, holding authorities accountable.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps is the Maharashtra government taking to enhance school safety?
The Maharashtra government is conducting structural audits, prohibiting classes in unsafe buildings, and planning the demolition and reconstruction of dilapidated structures.
How many classrooms have been repaired or constructed in Ahmednagar?
In Ahmednagar district, 1,462 new classrooms have been constructed, and 3,435 classrooms have undergone repairs.
What budget has been allocated for municipal schools in the upcoming financial year?
A total of ₹9 crore has been allocated for municipal schools in the financial year 2024-25.
What issues are farmers facing in the Shahapur area?
Farmers in the Shahapur area are experiencing challenges due to saltwater intrusion affecting agriculture and fisheries, compounded by land acquisitions by MIDC.
How will the state government address the infrastructure issues in tribal villages?
The Minister has instructed education officers to inspect tribal schools and report back to local representatives to ensure proper infrastructure.
