Chitradurga
Concerns have been raised over the condition of several government school buildings in Chitradurga district, with reports indicating that dilapidated infrastructure is putting the safety of students at risk. The issue has prompted administrative attention following instructions from senior officials to conduct urgent inspections.
Additional Chief Secretary Rashmi Mahesh has directed Deputy Directors of Public Instruction (DDPIs) to carry out detailed inspections of school buildings across the district and identify structures that are unsafe for continued use. The directive comes amid growing concerns about the structural stability of ageing classrooms in rural and semi-urban areas.
Preliminary reports suggest that several school buildings require immediate repair or reconstruction due to weakened roofs, cracked walls, and poor maintenance. In some cases, classrooms are reportedly being used despite visible signs of structural damage, raising fears among parents and education stakeholders.
Officials have been asked to prepare a comprehensive list of vulnerable school buildings and submit recommendations for either renovation or demolition. The administration is also expected to prioritise emergency repairs in schools where students continue to attend classes despite unsafe conditions.
Education department sources said that safety audits will focus on identifying high-risk structures and ensuring that students are relocated to safer classrooms wherever necessary. Temporary arrangements, including shifting classes to alternate buildings or nearby facilities, are likely to be considered in critical cases.
The issue has drawn attention to the broader challenge of maintaining government school infrastructure, particularly in districts where ageing buildings have not undergone timely upgrades. Stakeholders have stressed the need for sustained investment in school infrastructure to prevent accidents and ensure a safe learning environment.
Authorities are expected to initiate corrective measures based on inspection reports in the coming weeks. Further action will depend on the severity of structural damage identified during the assessment process.