Jaipur, March 5 (NationPress) The Rajasthan High Court has voiced significant concern regarding the dilapidated state of buildings and classrooms in government schools throughout the state, highlighting that minimal progress has been accomplished in repair work despite numerous incidents in various districts.

The court pointed out that only four schools have begun repair efforts since July, raising serious questions about the urgency of actions taken by the authorities.

These observations were made on Thursday by a division bench featuring Justice Mahendra Goyal and Justice Ashok Kumar Jain while addressing a suo motu petition triggered by the recent Jhalawar school incident.

The bench remarked that it is troubling that, despite several incidents in multiple districts, including Bharatpur and Bundi, the state government is still in the process of issuing tenders for repair work in numerous locations.

During the proceedings, the court noted that the budget allocated for repairs is due to expire in March, yet the authorities have not taken timely measures to ensure the work is finalized.

The judges questioned the government’s priorities, expressing alarm over the safety of students attending classes in such unsafe school buildings.

“What exactly is the government doing? Schools do not seem to be a priority,” the court remarked during the session.

The bench further suggested that if the situation does not improve, the court may appoint a chartered engineer to assess government school facilities statewide.

According to the proposal discussed, starting July 1, only those schools deemed safe by the engineer would be permitted to operate, while repairs would continue in buildings identified as unsafe.

In response to the court’s concerns, the state government indicated it is facing financial challenges and requested the bench to refrain from issuing such an order.

The government counsel informed the court that budgetary restrictions are hindering the speed of repair efforts.

However, the bench clarified that financial limitations cannot serve as an excuse when it comes to the safety of students.

“The budget is a concern for the government, not for us,” the court stated, emphasizing that directives from the court must be adhered to, irrespective of financial obstacles.

The bench also recalled that it had previously directed the Chief Secretary to present a status report on measures taken to resolve the issue.

When the Advocate General informed the court that the report remained unfiled, the bench instructed the Chief Secretary to provide a detailed affidavit on the progress made in implementing the court's earlier directives.