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| DSEJ orders safety audit of all school buildings | | All institutions to remain closed today | | Sandeep Bhat
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 31: In view of the relentless rains, landslides, and flood-like conditions across the region, the Directorate of School Education, Jammu (DSEJ), on Sunday announced that all government and private schools in the division will remain closed till September 1.
The step has been taken to ensure the safety of students and staff amid widespread damage caused by inclement weather.
At the same time, the Directorate has issued fresh directions to all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Heads of Institutions (HoIs) to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of school buildings before reopening. The instructions, issued through an official order signed by Personnel Officer Manisha (JKAS), emphasize that structural safety must be certified by competent authorities without delay.
The order highlighted that many school buildings, particularly in hilly and flood-prone areas, could have developed cracks, waterlogging issues, or weakened foundations due to the continuous heavy rainfall and landslides over the past week. Authorities fear that reopening without inspections could put thousands of students and teachers at risk.
To address this, the Directorate has instructed CEOs to immediately coordinate with the Public Works (R&B) Department and obtain safety certificates for every government school under their jurisdiction. HoIs have also been told to monitor the process personally and report compliance at the earliest.
“Any lapse in this regard shall be viewed seriously,” the order warns, underlining the urgency of the exercise.
The decision comes at a time when the Jammu division has been reeling under severe weather for over a week, with several districts facing road blockages, flash floods, and damage to public infrastructure. While schools in the Kashmir Valley have reopened after a brief closure, authorities in Jammu have opted for a cautious approach, keeping student safety as the top priority.
Officials said reopening of schools beyond September 1 will depend on the outcome of the safety audits and the prevailing weather situation.
Earlier, Authorities on Sunday ordered closure of all government and private schools across Jammu Division for September 1 in view of the continuing inclement weather conditions.
Order issued by Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ), stated that the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff amid incessant rains and landslides in hilly areas.
“In continuation to earlier orders and keeping in view the incessant rains and landslides in hilly areas, it is hereby ordered that all government and private schools across Jammu Division shall continue to remain closed on 01-09-2025 (Monday),” the order signed by Director School Education Jammu, Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, reads.
The situation is being closely monitored, and further decisions regarding the reopening of schools will be taken after reviewing the weather conditions. |
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