India, July 26 -- A day after seven students died in a school building collapse incident in Rajasthan's Jhalawar, the central government has asked all states and Union Territories (UTs) to immediately conduct safety audits of all schools and public facilities used by children in accordance with national safety codes and disaster management guidelines.

In an advisory issued on Saturday, the Union Ministry of Educational (MoE) has asked the states and UT administrations to thoroughly assess structural integrity along with fire safety, emergency exits, and electrical wiring. It has also called for training for staff and students in emergency preparedness, and the provision of psychosocial support through counselling and peer networks.

The ...