NHRC orders Darbhanga magistrate to report on unsafe school roof threatening 191 pupils

The National Human Rights Commission has ordered the Darbhanga district magistrate to submit a detailed report within two weeks on the unsafe roof of a primary school in Kiratpur village, Bihar. The commission acted after a media story revealed that the school’s main roof pillar collapsed three to four months ago and that teachers and students are now navigating a ceiling propped up with wooden benches, desks and bricks. About 191 pupils and staff remain at risk, according to the report. The school, built in 1983 under the central Operation Blackboard programme, shows multiple structural flaws: a leaking roof, cracked beams, broken pillars, falling plaster and exposed reinforcement bars. Classes are no longer held under the makeshift patch, but children and teachers still pass through the area daily. The institution now operates in only two usable rooms for grades I‑V; one room stores office furniture and an almirah, while other lessons are conducted in open spaces because of space shortage. Assistant teacher Pawan Kumar Choudhary said officials were repeatedly informed and villagers staged protests, adding, “After the pillar collapsed, benches and desks were used to support the roof. The danger remains.” Headmaster Rajendra Kumar confirmed repeated written complaints to block and district officers. District education officer Vidyanand Thakur replied that the old building has been declared unsafe, construction of a new block has begun, and no teaching takes place in the damaged structure.

Context

The NHRC steps in when public facilities pose a threat to basic rights such as safety and education, prompting authorities to act promptly.