Goa, July 26 -- In the wake of recent school building collapses, the Ministry of Education has issued an urgent advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs), calling for immediate safety audits of all schools and child-centric public facilities. The directive comes after two tragic incidents: the partial collapse of a government school building in Rajasthan's Jhalawar district on July 19, which claimed seven student lives, and a roof collapse in Ranchi, Jharkhand, that resulted in one death and several injuries during heavy rainfall.

The ministry's directive prioritizes both the physical and mental well-being of students. It mandates comprehensive audits to assess structural integrity, fire safety compliance, emergency exits, elect...