Srinagar, July 24 (KNO): The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has issued safety measures for reopening of all educational institutes in flood affected areas of the division.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), DSEK in a circular said that the decision was taken in view of the recent spell of heavy rainfall and the consequent flooding across various parts of the Jammu Division.
“It has been reported by several Chief Education Officers that a number of educational institution buildings have sustained structural damage, rendering them unsafe for occupation by students and staff,” reads the circular.
DSEJ said that in these prevailing circumstances, the safety, security and wellbeing of students, teachers and all personnel shall remain the paramount consideration in the resumption of academic activities.
“Accordingly, no government or private educational institutions including coaching institutes and centres (Herein after referred as Institutions) shall resume physical classes unless the structural integrity and overall safety of its premises have been thoroughly assessed and found satisfactory,” it reads.
It also said that if any institute that has been inundated sustained structural damage or exhibits signs of structural distress or any other potential safety hazard shall remain closed and shall not be occupied until it has been inspected and declared fit for use by the competent authority.
“Under no circumstances shall the safety of students, teachers or staff be compromised and every possible precautions shall be taken to ensure that school premises are structurally safe, secure, hygienic and fully prepared before reopening for academic activities,” the circular said.
DSEJ said that in order to ensure the safe resumption of academic activities, all CEO’s of the Jammu Division shall ensure strict implementation of the safety measures.
The directorate said that all Heads of Institutions (Hol's) shall conduct a comprehensive inspection of their respective institutions before resumption of physical classes.
“The inspection shall include the school buildings, classrooms, boundary walls, furniture, electrical installations, drinking water facilities, sanitation blocks, playgrounds, and any other infrastructure essential for the safe functioning of the institution. Particular attention shall be paid to damage caused by flooding, water seepage, cracks, weakened structures or any other visible safety concerns,” it reads.
It also said that all HoI’s shall also assess the condition of approach roads and routes used by students and staff to ensure that they are safe and free from waterlogging, landslides, fallen trees, damaged electric poles, debris or any other hazards that may endanger movement to and from the institution
“Before reopening, HoI's shall consult the local administration, including the Revenue Authorities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Municipal Bodies, District Disaster Management Authority and other concerned agencies, wherever necessary, to obtain an assessment of the overall safety situation in the area,” DSEJ said.
It also said that wherever any structural damage, cracks, excessive seepage, weakening of buildings or boundary walls or any other safety concern is noticed, the matter shall immediately be referred to the concerned competent authority for structural assessment. “Such buildings shall not be used for academic activities until formal safety clearance is obtained.”
“No building declared unsafe by the competent authority or appearing structurally unsafe or undergoing repairs, shall be used for conducting academic or administrative activities under any circumstance,” reads the circular.
The directorate further said that before reopening of the educational institutes, it shall be ensured that classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities and other essential services are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and made fully functional. Electrical systems shall be inspected for safety and the campus shall be free from debris, hazardous materials, fallen trees, damaged electric poles or any other potential risk.
“Where educational institution buildings are found unsafe or unavailable for use, the concerned Chief Education Officer shall, in coordination with the District Administration and local authorities make suitable alternative arrangements to ensure continuity of academic activities,” DSEK said adding that such arrangements may include community halls, Panchayat Ghars, government buildings or other appropriate public facilities, including volunteer use of religious institutions wherever feasible and with the consent of the concerned management.
“Private schools shall also ensure that any alternative arrangements made at their ends shall be in consonance and strict compliance to the instructions issued by DSEJ,” it reads.
Furthermore, the directorate also said that each HoI shall submit a school readiness report to the concerned Zonal Education Officer, Chief Education Officer certifying that the institution has been inspected and all safety requirements have been complied with prior to reopening.” The Chief Education Officer shall compile these reports and submit a consolidated compliance report to DSEJ through the concerned Joint Directors in the prescribed format.”—(KNO)