UP CM’s directive spurs action: Basic Education Dept to raze dilapidated schools

Acting on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s stern directive, the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department has swung into action to tackle unsafe infrastructure in council schools.

Districts across the state have been instructed to urgently identify, verify, and demolish dilapidated buildings, with student and teacher safety placed at the highest priority.

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The decision follows recent revelations about hazardous buildings in school campuses that posed risks to students’ lives and negatively impacted the department’s image. The department’s new focus is clear: safety, accountability, and swift action.

UP Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh asserted here on Tuesday that children’s safety is non-negotiable. He warned that if any incident of structural collapse or accident is reported, the concerned officer will be held directly accountable and face strict departmental action.

Based on reports received from various districts, immediate identification of unsafe structures is underway. The list will be submitted to the technical committee for verification and evaluation. District officials are responsible for ensuring that this process is completed within a set timeframe. Instructions have also been issued for prompt verification and reporting of previously identified structures.

No academic activities will be permitted in buildings declared unsafe by the technical committee. Alternative teaching arrangements must be made in safe classrooms, school buildings, panchayat bhawans, or village secretariats.

As per the guidelines issued, if any unsafe structure cannot be demolished immediately, it must be marked with warnings such as “Unusable” or “Entry Prohibited” on all four sides. These buildings must also be completely sealed with masonry to prevent student access.