The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled the senior-secondary affiliation of Neerja Modi School, located in Jaipur, following a tragic incident involving a young student. The decision came after a detailed investigation that revealed serious violations of child safety and protection norms.
The Incident — What Happened
On November 1, a nine-year-old student studying at Neerja Modi School in Jaipur fell from the fourth floor of the school building. The child later died due to severe injuries. The incident triggered widespread concern among parents and led to an official probe into the school’s safety arrangements.
CBSE’s Key Findings
CBSE’s inspection team identified multiple serious lapses. The school lacked basic safety barriers such as protective grills or nets on open upper floors. CCTV coverage was inadequate, and the required footage was not properly preserved. Student movement in corridors and staircases was poorly supervised. The school also failed to maintain an effective counselling and anti-bullying mechanism. Parental complaints raised earlier were not addressed in a timely manner.
Why CBSE Withdrew the Affiliation
CBSE concluded that the school did not provide a safe and secure environment for students. According to board norms, student safety is mandatory and non-negotiable. Due to repeated procedural failures and negligence, CBSE withdrew the senior-secondary recognition to prevent further risk.
Impact on Students
CBSE has allowed existing Class 10 and Class 12 students of the Jaipur-based school to appear for board examinations from the same campus to avoid academic disruption. However, new admissions and promotions to Classes 9 and 11 have been stopped. Students currently in Classes 9 and 11 must shift to other CBSE-affiliated schools before the prescribed deadline.
Administrative and Legal Implications
The cancellation places strict compliance pressure on the school management. Authorities may continue parallel investigations related to negligence and child safety. The school must meet all statutory and regulatory requirements before seeking any future relief.
Conditions for Possible Reaffiliation
To regain CBSE affiliation, the school must first upgrade physical safety infrastructure. This includes installing protective barriers, improving CCTV surveillance, and ensuring constant supervision. The school must also implement a strong counselling system, an anti-bullying policy, and a transparent grievance redressal mechanism. CBSE will consider reaffiliation only after full compliance and reinspection.
Wider Message for Schools and Parents
This action sends a strong message across Jaipur and Rajasthan that child safety cannot be compromised. Schools must regularly audit infrastructure and student welfare systems. Parents should actively verify safety standards before enrolling children and should raise concerns without hesitation.
What Parents Should Do Now
Parents of affected students should immediately complete transfer formalities. They should confirm exam arrangements with CBSE authorities for board classes. It is also advisable to review safety protocols in the new school and keep written records of all communications.
Final Thoughts
The CBSE decision regarding Neerja Modi School in Jaipur marks a serious step toward enforcing accountability in school education. While the tragedy cannot be undone, strict action and sustained compliance can help prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure safer learning environments for children.
