Jaipur, July26,2025:Minutes before the collapse, students reported pebbles and debris falling from the roof
Jhalawar school roof collapse: terrible tragedy
Jhalawar school roof collapse shattered the calm of Jhalawar’s Piplodi village on the morning of July 25, 2025, when a portion of a government middle school roof collapsed during the routine assembly. Seven schoolchildren lost their lives and over 20 others were injured, some critically, sparking shock, outrage, and immediate demands for accountability.
Five heart‑wrenching failures exposed
Structural neglect
Despite recent rainfall and obvious signs of damage, the building had not been flagged as unsafe by the authorities. The school was absent from lists of dilapidated buildings submitted by the education department.
Ignored student warnings
Minutes before the collapse, students reported pebbles and debris falling from the roof. Teachers allegedly dismissed their fears, telling them nothing would happen—even while enjoying breakfast.
Teacher neglect at critical moment
Eyewitnesses recount that students were scolded and ordered to remain in class while teachers continued their breakfast outside. Soon after, the roof caved in.
Administrative apathy & delayed action
Complaints about the building’s condition were reportedly made earlier but were ignored. No timely repairs were initiated, resulting in preventable fatalities.
Lack of accountability until tragedy struck
Only after children died did authorities act. Five education department officials and teachers have been suspended. The state human rights commission demanded a report within seven days.
Warnings ignored: student pleas dismissed
Several students, including eyewitnesses, recounted that they informed teachers of falling debris well before the collapse. They were repeatedly told to sit quietly, given assurances that “nothing will happen.” Moments later, the roof collapsed, burying classmates in steel and concrete.
One pupil reflected: “We told sir bricks were falling; he told us to sit quietly… then the roof fell.”
Sachin Pilot’s blistering critique
Congress leader Sachin Pilot didn’t mince words, calling the incident a case of “criminal negligence.” He demanded an immediate, transparent probe and called for punishment for those responsible. Pilot criticized the government’s inaction despite having ample resources and infrastructure opportunities.
Government response and accountability measures
The state administration swiftly suspended five government school officials, including teachers, after the collapse.
Education Minister Madan Dilawar accepted moral responsibility, calling it a failure on his part. The National Human Rights Commission has demanded a detailed action report within seven days.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has ordered audits and increased budget allocation for repairs of school and other public buildings under development schemes.
Public reaction and community grief
In Piplodi village, sorrow turned quickly to protest. Locals clashed briefly with police, demanding justice and immediate investigation. Parents and community members demanded closure and accountability.
Inside the Jhalawar hospital corridors, parents anxiously awaited updates on injured children. One distraught family performed last rites for their 8-year-old son Kartik while caring for his critically injured sister in ICU.
National ripple effect: safety audits underway
The tragedy prompted other states to act swiftly. Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister ordered safety audits of all school buildings and public infrastructure in response to the incident, underscoring zero tolerance for negligence toward children’s safety.
Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje criticized the state education department, urging a full-scale safety examination across Rajasthan.
Why this tragedy matters urgently
Children’s safety at stake: Children should never fear being in school.
- Systemic failure: Student warnings ignored, infrastructure unmonitored—despite available resources.
- Political accountability: Public trust erodes when officials delay action.
- Preventable loss: Early interventions might have saved lives.
- Policy implications: Urgent structural audits and infrastructure overhauls across all government buildings are needed.
demands for justice and reform
The Jhalawar school roof collapse is not just a tragic event—it is a symptom of deeply rooted systemic negligence. Seven innocent children have lost their lives due to ignored warnings, aged infrastructure, and administrative failure.
Sachin Pilot’s condemnation of criminal negligence serves as a rallying cry: this must be turning point. The state must ensure:
