A recent building collapse in a government school in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district has triggered fear among students and parents, leading to a sharp drop in attendance. While no one was injured in the incident, many families have kept their children at home out of concern for their safety. To address this, the education department has launched a door-to-door campaign to assure parents and encourage children to resume their studies without fear. Temporary classrooms have also been arranged to ensure learning doesn’t stop.

I decided to write about this topic because it highlights a larger issue we often overlook—how infrastructure problems can deeply affect students’ motivation and access to education. A single accident like this can shake trust in the system. But what’s equally important is how the authorities respond. In this case, the local administration has acted quickly, and it deserves to be discussed. It’s a reminder of how we need both safe infrastructure and strong communication with communities to keep education on track. If we ignore such incidents, children from rural areas may continue to fall behind due to fear and lack of support. That’s why I believe this deserves attention.

School Building Collapse Sparks Panic

The incident occurred in Surajgarh block of Jhunjhunu district, where a part of the school building collapsed during school hours. Thankfully, no students or staff were hurt, but the visuals and news reports were enough to scare parents. As a result, attendance dropped drastically in the following days.

In rural areas, where many families already hesitate to send children to school—especially girls—such events only add to their fears. For parents who work in farms or as labourers, the thought of their child being in danger at school is unbearable.

Education Department’s Quick Response

Understanding the situation, the Rajasthan education department swung into action. Officials started going door-to-door, speaking with parents and convincing them that proper arrangements have been made to ensure their children’s safety.

Here’s what has been done:

• Alternative classrooms: Students from the affected school have been shifted to nearby buildings and anganwadi centres
• Temporary structures: The department is arranging for temporary classrooms using tents and prefab units
• Counselling: Teachers and officials are speaking directly to students to ease their fears
• Safety checks: Other school buildings in the area are being inspected for structural safety

The Bigger Picture: Safety and Trust in Government Schools

This incident sheds light on the larger issue of infrastructure in government schools. According to reports, many schools in India still operate in old or unsafe buildings. While mid-day meals and free textbooks are available, safety often takes a back seat.

Parents need to trust that schools are not just places of learning, but also safe spaces. When that trust is broken, it can take weeks or even months to rebuild. That’s why the education department’s outreach efforts are crucial.

In my opinion, this is a reminder for every state to take infrastructure seriously—not just when an incident happens, but as a part of regular policy planning. A school building is not just a structure—it’s a foundation for a child’s future.

How Can We Prevent Such Incidents?

Some steps that can help avoid such tragedies in the future include:

• Annual structural audits of all government school buildings
• Dedicated funds for urgent repair and maintenance
• Community involvement to report visible cracks or damage early
• Training for school staff on how to handle emergencies
• Use of technology to monitor school safety through mobile apps or online dashboards