In a serene village of Jhalawar, Rajasthan, where once laughter resonated in every corner, silence now reigns. Two innocent siblings, Meena and Kanha, used to play, laugh, and make playful demands on their mother, who now sits in solitude, her eyes filled with tears, overwhelmed by loss.
'I had just two children... a son and a daughter. Both have left this world. My house is empty, my yard is empty... I wish God had taken me instead, sparing my children...' These words resonate with pain, coming from a mother who lost her life’s greatest treasures in the unbearable school tragedy on Friday.
According to reports, at the government school in Piplod, Jhalawar, students of class 6 and 7 had assembled for morning prayers on that fateful day. Unexpectedly, a part of the school building collapsed. It happened in a blink. Over 35 children were caught under the debris, leaving 28 injured and seven innocent lives lost on the spot.
Tiny Angels Lost, Hospital Scenes and Mourning
On Saturday morning, Jhalawar’s SRG Hospital was engulfed in sorrow. Heart-wrenching cries of mothers pierced the air. The sight of mothers clinging to their children's lifeless bodies left an indelible mark.
Source: aajtak
Among those seven young souls were six-year-old Kanha and his twelve-year-old sister Meena. Three other children's pyres were lit together, while two were cremated separately.
Who Bears the Blame for This Heartbreaking Tragedy?
This incident is not just a personal loss for seven families but raises serious questions about Rajasthan's rural education system. Another grieving mother, who lost her only son, questioned furiously - Where were the teachers when the wall fell? Why were kids left alone? What were they doing outside?
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Local residents highlighted that the school’s infrastructure had been dilapidated for some time. Despite numerous complaints, the administration took no steps. Following the tragedy, public anger erupted. Protests flared at Guradi square and outside the SRG hospital. The police had to use mild force to control the situation, resulting in an injury to one officer.
Source: aajtak
Government Actions and Announcements
Following the incident, Rajasthan’s School Education Minister visited the site. He announced compensation of 10 lakh rupees for each grieving family and promised to build a new school in the village. Ajay Singh, the Jhalawar Collector, stated that five school employees have been suspended and a high-level investigation is underway.
As per the Collector, if necessary, FIRs will be filed, and suspensions could lead to firings. The administration promises full support and is striving to provide maximum financial assistance within the next ten days.
Personal Belongings Amidst Rubble—Shoes, Books, and Broken Slates
In the aftermath, villagers took initiative in rescue efforts. With bare hands, they cleared debris to retrieve trapped children. Scattered among the rubble lay children's bags, books, broken slates, and tiny shoes.
Authorities have mandated inspections of all school buildings. Education officers have been instructed that unless a school's structure is fully secured, children should not attend classes. But what about those families who have lost their children? Homes once filled with laughter are now enveloped in silence and tears.
