A serious accident occurred at the Government Composite Upper Primary School in Balapar village, situated in the Campierganj area of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, when a portion of the classroom ceiling plaster collapsed on a fifth-grade student’s head during ongoing classes.
The student, Bikram, was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital and later referred to BRD Medical College for specialised treatment.
According to a source, following this alarming incident, the district education authorities have launched a detailed investigation and suspended the school’s principal, Sunita Agrahari, citing negligence. Parents, local residents, and school staff have expressed grave concern over the poor state of school infrastructure and have strongly demanded urgent repairs and improved safety measures to prevent any recurrence.
Ceiling Collapse Sparks Fear and Outrage
The incident unfolded suddenly during school hours, when a large chunk of ceiling plaster gave way and fell on Bikram, causing a deep head injury and momentary unconsciousness. Witnesses describe a loud crash followed by screams and panic spreading among students and teachers alike.
Several students sustained minor injuries as they tried to escape the debris. The local community quickly rose in protest, with parents and villagers highlighting that the school building has long been in a dangerous condition, making regular complaints to the education department that went largely unaddressed.
Neglect and Urgent Calls for Reform
Built in 1993, the school infrastructure has deteriorated over decades due to inadequate maintenance and insufficient funding. Reports indicate over 50 schools in the Gorakhpur district share similar structural vulnerabilities, putting thousands of children at risk daily.
Recent incidents of the verandah roof collapsing at the same school on 17 June, had raised red flags but failed to elicit timely government response. District Basic Shiksha Adhikari Ravindra Kumar Singh publicly announced the suspension of principal Sunita Agrahari, calling it an important step to ensure official accountability. He also confirmed that a comprehensive safety audit across all government schools in the district is underway.
Unsafe buildings will either be repaired urgently or demolished, and students will be relocated to safer classrooms to protect them from harm. Singh affirmed, “The safety of our children is non-negotiable, and this incident has prompted us to fast-track all infrastructure inspections and remedial work.”
According to recent reports, a similar incident occurred just a few days ago in Hapur district, Uttar Pradesh, where plaster from the ceiling of a government primary school classroom collapsed, injuring two children attending Class 5. The accident happened during school hours, causing panic among students and staff. Following this, the school was sealed, and an inquiry committee was formed to investigate how the building had been issued a fitness certificate despite its unsafe condition.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This unfortunate episode highlights the critical and persistent issue of neglected public school infrastructure in many parts of India. The public education system has struggled not only with quality learning outcomes but also with providing secure physical spaces where children can pursue studies without fear for their safety.
The Logical Indian strongly advocates for prioritising student safety through stringent and transparent maintenance practices, timely government interventions, and active community engagement. Neglecting these responsibilities violates children’s fundamental right to education in a safe environment, and such avoidable incidents must serve as a wake-up call for sustained reforms.
Authorities should also enhance accountability mechanisms to ensure that reports of structural risks are promptly addressed, preventing tragedies before they occur.
मुख्यमंत्री @myogiadityanath जी के गृह जनपद गोरखपुर में स्कूल की छत का प्लास्टर गिरने से एक छात्र के घायल होने की घटना बेहद पीड़ादायक है और सोचने का गंभीर विषय भी। साथ ही, यह पूरी व्यवस्था पर सवाल खड़े करती है — यह कैसा “डबल इंजन” विकास है?
— Chandra Shekhar Aazad (@BhimArmyChief) August 3, 2025
बालापार स्थित सरकारी कंपोजिट स्कूल में… pic.twitter.com/ZMps8xdxd8
