Delhi CM Rekha Gupta orders structural audit of all 1,270 government and government-aided schools after a surprise inspection at Government Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Roop Nagar exposed unsafe structural integrity, antiquated sanitation and malfunctioning firefighting devices.
The inspection showed immediate risks to students and staff. Officials were told to begin comprehensive safety checks without delay.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta orders structural audit: What was found
The Roop Nagar visit flagged multiple problems: unsafe load-bearing elements, outdated sanitation facilities and firefighting equipment that did not work. Inspectors also noted poor maintenance that could worsen risks during emergencies.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta posted on X warning of "zero tolerance" for safety lapses and said officials must act on the inspection findings. She said the state will not ignore failures in basic school infrastructure.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta orders structural audit: What the audit will check
The ordered audit will examine electric wiring security, seismic stability and the operation of emergency procedures across every school. It covers both government and government-aided institutions in the national capital.
Officials say the results of the assessments will form the basis of a large renovation pipeline to bring schools up to contemporary safety standards. The move aims to restore parental faith in public school infrastructure and ensure safer teaching-learning environments.
City education authorities have not published a timeline, named an auditing agency, or released details on funding and prioritisation for repairs. The audit order also does not specify interim safety measures or an enforcement mechanism for compliance.
The audit instruction applies to all schools run or aided by the Delhi government. School administrators will need to cooperate with assessment teams and prepare records on wiring, building drawings, and emergency drills for review.
Parents and students may see temporary changes if a school is found unsafe, including restricted access to affected blocks or relocation while repairs are planned. Authorities have said outcomes will determine the next steps, with some schools likely to move quickly into renovation work.
The audit follows a growing focus on improving dilapidated conditions in public schools, part of broader reforms officials describe as being put on a "war footing" to improve safety and basic services.