SUMMARY
- Four students killed, 17 injured in Peeplodi Government School collapse.
- High-level probe ordered; several injured students remain critical.
- PM Modi and Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma express condolences, promise assistance.
A Catastrophe in the Classroom
In a devastating incident that shook Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district, the roof of Peeplodi Government School in Manoharthana block collapsed during school hours on Friday. At least four students lost their lives, and 17 others were injured, with several in critical condition. There were 27 children present in the upper primary classroom when the mishap occurred. Quick action by teachers and local villagers helped rescue the trapped children from the rubble before emergency teams arrived.
Local authorities, including Jhalawar Collector and Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar, rushed to the scene, while rescue operations were captured in videos showing villagers removing debris with bare hands amid chaos and panic.
They went to school to learn, not to die under a collapsing roof. 💔
— Anunay (@anunay_24) July 25, 2025
Why? Old, neglected structure + heavy rains = disaster.
Welcome to vikShit desh where basic safety isn't a priority..#Jhalawar #Rajasthan #SchoolCollapse pic.twitter.com/XOCt0O63iM
Government’s Response and Public Outcry
Education Minister Madan Dilawar has ordered a high-level investigation into the collapse, pledging that every injured child will receive comprehensive treatment. “It is an extremely unfortunate incident. A detailed probe will determine the cause and accountability,” Dilawar stated.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and former CM Ashok Gehlot both issued heartfelt statements, expressing sorrow over the tragedy. PM Narendra Modi, currently in the Maldives, also conveyed his condolences, calling the incident “tragic and deeply saddening,” and assured that authorities are providing “all possible assistance.”
Structural Neglect Under Scrutiny
Preliminary reports suggest that the school building may have suffered from prolonged structural neglect. Activists have criticized the lack of safety audits in rural government schools, which often operate in outdated facilities. Experts say that budget cuts and weak infrastructure monitoring exacerbate the risk of such collapses, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rains weaken old structures.
The Road Ahead
The state government has promised swift action to identify lapses and ensure justice. A team of engineers and district officials is expected to submit a preliminary report within a week. Meanwhile, families of the victims are demanding stronger accountability and immediate financial aid.
This tragedy has reignited debates on the safety of government-run schools, which educate millions of children across India. Ensuring that such preventable disasters do not repeat will require systemic reforms — from infrastructure upgrades to stricter oversight and disaster preparedness.
A Wake-Up Call for Rural School Safety
The Jhalawar school collapse is not an isolated incident but a symptom of chronic neglect in school infrastructure. As the investigation unfolds, the focus must shift from mere compensation and condolences to preventive measures. Every child’s right to safe education hinges on urgent reforms — robust building audits, modern infrastructure, and accountability at every level.
