Four Students Dead as Government School Roof Collapses in Rajasthan

Jhalawar, Rajasthan: In a tragic and alarming incident, four students lost their lives and 17 others were injured after a portion of a government school building collapsed in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district on Friday morning. The students were reportedly assembling for the morning prayer when the roof caved in at the Piplod Government School in the Manoharthana block.

Police received information about the incident around 7:45 am. Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar confirmed that four children had died and 17 others sustained injuries, with at least three to four in critical condition. Ten students were referred to Jhalawar hospitals, and two of the most severely injured were shifted to specialised healthcare centres.

According to officials, the collapsed portion of the building housed classes 6 and 7. Station House Officer Vijendra Singh said the upper primary section had 27 students present when the structure gave way. Children were pulled out from the debris by teachers and local villagers in a desperate rescue effort.

The incident has sparked serious concerns about the safety of school infrastructure in rural Rajasthan. Despite repeated assurances of improved educational facilities, the collapse of a government school building during school hours raises disturbing questions about the lack of maintenance, inspection, and accountability in public institutions.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed condolences via social media, stating that officials have been directed to ensure proper treatment for the injured. However, critics argue that condolences cannot substitute for oversight. Education Minister Madan Dilawar promised a high-level inquiry and said necessary arrangements have been made at the district level.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, while expressing grief, indirectly questioned systemic lapses by praying for “minimum loss of life” and “speedy recovery.” Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully also voiced sorrow but stopped short of demanding accountability.

The Education Department has faced criticism in the past for outdated and unsafe school buildings, particularly in remote districts. With this tragedy, pressure is mounting on the state government to go beyond inquiries and take tangible action, ensuring that school children are not exposed to life-threatening conditions inside what should be safe spaces for learning.