Jaipur, Rajasthan: A ground investigation has raised serious questions over the implementation of a ₹503 crore school infrastructure repair programme launched by the Rajasthan government after the roof collapse at a government school in Jhalawar last year. The investigation alleges that, instead of comprehensive structural repairs, contractors in several cases carried out only superficial work while claiming full payment.
School Repair Programme Under Scrutiny
The funds were sanctioned to repair and strengthen buildings in more than 20,000 government schools across Rajasthan. The objective was to improve classroom safety and repair or replace dilapidated roofs.
Registration Begins for FutureCrime Summit 2026, India’s Largest Cybercrime Conference
However, the investigation alleges that in several schools, contractors merely filled visible cracks, applied waterproof coating, paint and whitewash, while major structural work mentioned in tender documents was either incomplete or not visible on the ground.
The investigation covered around 20 government schools across Jaipur, Ajmer, Dausa, Nagaur and Didwana-Kuchaman districts. Certified civil engineers and urban planning experts reportedly accompanied the inspection teams to assess whether the work matched tender specifications.
Cracks, Coating And Incomplete Work Alleged
In Jaipur district, where approximately ₹33.77 crore was sanctioned for 1,691 schools, investigators alleged that waterproofing work at several schools fell short of prescribed standards.
Experts claimed that instead of the specified multi-layer waterproofing treatment, only a few coating layers appeared to have been applied. Rainwater accumulation and visible roof cracks were reportedly still present at some locations.
Similar observations were reported from schools in Dausa district. Drone surveys allegedly showed that only limited sections of roofs had been waterproofed in certain schools. Several tendered works, including roof strengthening, RCC repairs, plastering, drainage improvements and replacement of damaged sections, were reportedly not carried out.
In Nagaur district, inspectors alleged that waterproofing layers were peeling off at several schools and Anganwadi centres. The investigation claimed that no significant roof strengthening or drainage improvement work was visible at many inspected locations despite funds being sanctioned for comprehensive repairs.
Official Inquiries Awaited
In Ajmer district, the investigation alleged that roofing, waterproofing and related civil works at some schools remained incomplete despite payments reportedly being released. One school principal reportedly stated that the contractor completed the work within a short period without consulting the school administration and expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of repairs.
District administrations acknowledged receiving complaints regarding the quality of work. Officials said inquiries had either been initiated or were under consideration in districts where allegations had been reported.
In Didwana-Kuchaman, authorities said a technical investigation had been assigned to the Public Works Department and that the report was awaited.
Officials associated with the implementation of the programme stated that works were subject to multiple levels of verification before payments were released, including inspections by engineering officials, school authorities, local committees and district administration representatives.
They maintained that if any specific case of poor-quality work or irregularity is established, appropriate action would be taken after investigation. The allegations have not yet been judicially established, and final responsibility will depend on official inquiry findings and any subsequent legal proceedings.
