Chief Minister Holds High-Level Meeting on Piplodi Tragedy — Orders Immediate Inspection and Repair of Dilapidated Public Buildings; Strict Action Against Negligence in Construction Quality

Jaipur : Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma convened a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence on Friday regarding the tragic incident at a government school in Piplodi village, Jhalawar district. He instructed district administrations, the Public Works Department, executing agencies, SAMSA, RSRDC, and other concerned departments to conduct immediate inspections of all government buildings—especially schools, hospitals, and other public structures—and to commence urgent repair work. A committee of experts will be constituted to submit a detailed report within five days.

The Chief Minister emphasized that citizens’ safety is the topmost priority of the state government. “We are deeply saddened by the Piplodi incident. Concrete and swift steps must be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said. He stressed the need to give special attention to the inspection, repair, and maintenance of buildings in rural areas. Buildings recently repaired must also undergo quality checks, and any shortcomings must lead to strict action against the responsible parties.

Unsafe Buildings to Be Vacated and Occupants Rehabilitated

CM Sharma directed that unsafe and dilapidated buildings be vacated immediately and affected individuals be relocated to safer locations. For students in unsafe schools, temporary classrooms should be arranged in community halls or other secure spaces. The Education Department has been tasked with preparing a detailed action plan immediately.

Budgetary Provision for Old and New School Buildings

The Chief Minister noted that in the 2024–25 state budget, ₹250 crore had been allocated for the repair of buildings in state-run educational institutions and 750 schools. Additionally, the 2025–26 budget includes a ₹375 crore provision for the construction and repair of new buildings for dilapidated and building-less schools. He stated that ₹28 crore is being allocated for development works in each assembly constituency. These works can also be executed using funds from Dang, Magra, and Mewat Development Schemes, MLA-LAD, MP-LAD, and Tribal Area Development Plans.

Permanent Mechanism for Annual Structural Safety Audits

The Chief Minister proposed mandatory annual structural safety audits for all government buildings. A high-level committee of experts will be formed to develop a permanent mechanism for these audits. School Management Committees and local Panchayats will be trained to maintain and ensure building safety.

Focus on Maintenance of Anganwadi Centres

CM Sharma also called for special attention to the repair and upkeep of Anganwadi Centres across the state. All centres must undergo mandatory inspections. In the 2025–26 budget, ₹50 crore has been earmarked for repairing buildings of 5,000 Anganwadi Centres.

Deep Grief Over Piplodi Tragedy

Terming the collapse of the roof at a government school in Piplodi “heart-wrenching and tragic,” the Chief Minister said, “The death of innocent children has left us deeply pained. The state government stands in full solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time.” He added that he is personally in contact with officials and doctors and has directed the administration to ensure best possible treatment for the injured. Education Minister Shri Madan Dilawar has been sent to take stock of the situation on the ground.

The meeting observed two minutes of silence in memory of the children who lost their lives. Chief Secretary Shri Sudhansh Pant and other senior officials from various departments were present. Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and senior officials also joined via video conferencing.