In a major move to strengthen safety standards across educational institutions, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has directed all district administrations to conduct an immediate and comprehensive fire safety audit of schools, colleges, coaching centres, skill development institutes, hostels and training facilities across the state.
The directive was issued by Special Relief Commissioner and OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil following a recent tragic fire incident in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The state government has stressed that there can be no compromise when it comes to the safety of students, teachers, trainees and support staff.
District Collectors Directed to Launch Immediate Inspections
In an official communication sent to all District Collectors and Chairpersons of District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), OSDMA instructed local authorities to begin extensive field inspections across educational campuses, particularly those located in multi-storied buildings, densely populated urban areas and high-occupancy facilities.
The inspections will verify compliance with the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Rules, 2017, the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety (Amendment) Rules, 2025, and other relevant safety regulations.
With the new academic session underway, authorities have been asked to ensure that all institutions strictly follow prescribed fire safety norms and emergency preparedness guidelines.
Comprehensive Fire Safety Audit to Be Conducted
As part of the statewide audit, inspection teams will verify the validity of Fire Safety Certificates and No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued to educational institutions.
Officials will also assess the operational condition of critical fire safety infrastructure, including:
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke detectors
- Fire alarm systems
- Emergency lighting facilities
- Electrical installations
- Emergency exits and evacuation routes
The directive specifically prohibits the storage of combustible materials in classrooms, corridors, staircases and escape routes. Institutions have also been instructed to conduct regular maintenance of electrical systems to reduce the risk of fire caused by short circuits.
Focus on Safe Evacuation Systems
OSDMA has emphasised that emergency evacuation infrastructure must remain functional and accessible at all times.
Authorities have been asked to ensure that:
- Staircases and exit routes remain completely unobstructed
- Emergency exits are clearly marked
- Assembly points are identified and displayed
- Emergency contact numbers are prominently visible
- Doors along evacuation routes open outward and remain easily accessible
The move aims to improve response time and minimise panic during emergencies.
Mandatory Fire Safety Training and Mock Drills
The state government has directed all institutions to conduct regular fire safety awareness programmes and practical training sessions for students, teachers, trainers and support staff.
Educational institutions must organise:
- Quarterly fire safety awareness programmes
- Periodic mock evacuation drills
- Hands-on fire extinguisher training sessions
- Emergency response exercises in coordination with Fire Services
Additionally, institutions have been instructed to appoint trained Fire Safety Wardens and Nodal Officers responsible for overseeing emergency preparedness on campus.
Emergency Response Plans Made Compulsory
Every educational institution will now be required to prepare and prominently display a customised Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan based on its building layout and occupancy level.
Institutions must maintain updated contact information for:
- Fire Services
- Police authorities
- Nearby hospitals and health facilities
- District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs)
The government has also directed institutions to establish clear internal protocols for emergency reporting and rapid response.
Special Attention on High-Risk Buildings and Hostels
District administrations have been instructed to prioritise inspections of institutions operating in:
- Rented buildings
- Commercial complexes
- Basement facilities
- High-density student campuses
- Residential hostels and training centres
Authorities will verify whether these facilities meet prescribed fire safety standards and possess adequate evacuation arrangements.
Strict Action Against Violators
The state government has adopted a multi-department monitoring mechanism involving officials from Revenue, Fire Services, School and Mass Education, Higher Education, Skill Development and local administration departments.
Institutions found operating without adequate fire safety measures may face immediate regulatory action. They will be required to implement corrective measures within a specified timeframe.
Action Taken Report Required Within 15 Days
To ensure accountability, OSDMA has instructed all District Collectors to submit a consolidated Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.
The report must include:
- Number of institutions inspected
- Deficiencies identified
- Corrective measures initiated
- Status of compliance
The statewide exercise reflects Odisha’s renewed focus on disaster preparedness and institutional safety, with authorities aiming to create a secure learning environment for students across schools, colleges, coaching centres and skill development institutions.
