Jammu: In the wake of widespread damage caused by the recent spell of heavy rainfall and flooding across Jammu division, the Directorate of School Education (DSE), Jammu, on Thursday issued a detailed circular making it mandatory for all government and private educational institutions, including coaching institutes and centres, to ensure complete structural safety before resuming physical classes.
The Directorate said no educational institution would be allowed to reopen unless its premises were thoroughly inspected and declared safe for students, teachers and staff.
The circular, issued by the Directorate of School Education, Jammu, stated that reports received from several Chief Education Officers (CEOs) indicated that many school buildings had suffered structural damage due to floods, making them unsafe for occupation.
“The safety, security and well-being of students, teachers and all personnel shall remain the paramount consideration in the resumption of academic activities,” the circular said.
The Directorate directed that any government or private school, as well as coaching institute, that has been inundated by floodwaters, sustained structural damage or shows signs of structural distress or any other safety hazard shall remain closed until inspected and formally declared fit by the competent authority.
“It shall not be occupied under any circumstances until safety clearance is obtained,” the order said.
The Directorate instructed all Heads of Institutions (HoIs) to conduct comprehensive inspections before resuming physical classes.
The inspections will cover school buildings, classrooms, boundary walls, furniture, electrical installations, drinking water facilities, sanitation blocks, playgrounds and other essential infrastructure.
Special attention has been directed towards identifying flood-related damage, including cracks, weakened structures, water seepage and other visible safety concerns.
School heads have also been asked to examine approach roads and routes used by students and staff to ensure they are free from waterlogging, landslides, fallen trees, damaged electric poles, debris and other hazards that may endanger safe movement.
Consult Local Administration
Before reopening schools, Heads of Institutions have been directed to consult the district administration, revenue authorities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Municipal Bodies, District Disaster Management Authorities and other concerned agencies wherever necessary to assess the overall safety situation.
Structural Safety Clearance Mandatory
The circular states that wherever structural damage, excessive seepage, cracks or weakening of buildings or boundary walls is noticed, the matter must immediately be referred to the competent authority for technical assessment.
Such buildings shall not be used for academic activities until formal structural safety clearance is obtained.
The Directorate categorically prohibited the use of buildings declared unsafe or undergoing repairs for either academic or administrative purposes.
“No compromise whatsoever shall be made with the safety and wellbeing of students and staff,” the circular emphasised.
Before reopening, institutions have been directed to ensure that classrooms, toilets and drinking water facilities are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and made fully functional.
Electrical systems must also be inspected for safety, while campuses should be cleared of debris, hazardous materials, fallen trees and damaged electric poles.
For schools found unsafe, the concerned Chief Education Officers have been instructed to coordinate with district administrations to arrange alternative learning spaces.
The Directorate suggested that community halls, Panchayat Ghars, government buildings and other suitable public facilities may be used. It also permitted the voluntary use of religious institutions, wherever feasible and with the consent of the management concerned.
Private schools have also been directed to ensure that any alternative arrangements made by them strictly comply with the Directorate’s instructions.
The circular further stated that before any alternative learning centre becomes operational, authorities must ensure the availability of safe drinking water, proper sanitation, adequate seating, ventilation and a secure learning environment.
School Readiness Report Mandatory
Each Head of Institution has been asked to submit a School Readiness Report to the concerned Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) or Chief Education Officer (CEO), certifying that all prescribed safety measures have been complied with before reopening.
The CEOs will compile these reports and submit a consolidated compliance report to the Directorate through the concerned Joint Directors in the prescribed format.
Strict Monitoring Ordered
The Directorate has instructed all Joint Directors and Chief Education Officers to personally monitor implementation of the safety protocols across their respective jurisdictions.
They have also been directed to keep the Directorate informed about damaged school buildings, alternative learning arrangements and any issues requiring intervention.
The circular further directed that all principals, teachers and school staff be properly briefed about the safety instructions and remain vigilant in ensuring strict compliance.
The Directorate reiterated that the safety of students and staff would take precedence over the resumption of academic activities, and no institution would be permitted to reopen until all prescribed safety standards are fully met.