The National Occupational Health and Safety Service has issued an Improvement Notice to Rampur College following an investigation into an incident where two students fell into a septic tank during recess last week.
The probe, conducted by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, found that the students had stepped onto a concrete septic tank cover on February 6 while taking a shortcut from the washroom to the canteen.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh said the route had been clearly marked as an out-of-bounds area by the school.
“The septic tank cover unexpectedly collapsed, causing both students to fall into the opening,” Mr Singh said.
Both students were safely assisted out by another student, and investigations confirmed that no injuries were sustained.
Interviews with the students and school management revealed that restricted zones were clearly identified on school layout maps and marked accordingly. However, the investigation also raised concerns about the structural integrity of the septic tank cover, describing it as a significant safety risk.
As part of regulatory compliance measures, the National OHS Service issued a Requisition Notice seeking key occupational health and safety documents, including the school’s OHS policy, internal investigation report and layout of restricted areas.
An Improvement Notice was also served, directing the school to immediately install appropriate barricading around the area and complete repairs to the septic tank by February 20, 2026.
Mr Singh said while it was fortunate that no serious injuries were recorded, the incident underscored the shared responsibility of maintaining safety in schools.
“Schools must ensure that infrastructure is properly maintained and hazardous areas are adequately secured. At the same time, students must follow established safety rules and respect restricted areas designed to protect them,” he said.
