Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – In a major move to protect students, the Uttar Pradesh government told the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow bench on August 23, 2025, that it has demolished unsafe parts of 7,630 government primary, junior high, and composite schools between April 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. These buildings were found to be in poor condition, posing significant risks to children and teachers. The state is now working on a broader plan to inspect and address schools across UP, following strict orders from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to prioritize safety.
The court’s attention turned to this issue after a December 2024 order, which asked the state to share details on its school safety plan. The push for action came from a Supreme Court ruling in the case of Avinash Mehrotra vs. Union of India, which sets strict guidelines for school safety. Additional Advocate General K.P. Tripathi informed the court that a tender process for further inspections is underway and will wrap up in about 45 days. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 22, expecting updates on this process.
The demolitions are part of a larger effort sparked by reports of crumbling school buildings, some with leaking roofs and cracked walls. Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh stressed that no classes will be held in unsafe structures, and any officer failing to act will face consequences. Schools too risky to fix right away have been sealed, with clear warnings like “Entry Prohibited” posted to keep kids out. The state is also working with local bodies to clear debris and prevent waterlogging, which can worsen building damage.
Parents and teachers are relieved but cautious. The government’s focus on safety is clear, but with thousands of schools affected, the challenge now is rebuilding safe spaces for students. The High Court will keep a close watch as UP works to meet its deadline and ensure no child’s education is at risk.
