In a circular ‘necessitated’ by the gruesome murder of a seven year old, class II student of a private school (Ryan International School) in Gurgaon, the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE), with around 18000 schools affiliated to it across India, the board has asked schools to get the security /safety audit done of their premises and personnel from their respective local police station and follow the security related advice for the safety of School children. The schools have been given a two month period to compile and report online on CBSE website www.cbse.nic.in .
All schools affiliated with CBSE have been directed to strictly adhere to all the guidelines issued by MHRD and Board from time to time. Any violation/lapses with regard to safety and well being of children in school campus would invite appropriate action including the disaffiliation of the school as per the provisions under Affiliation Bye-Laws of the Board.
Schools have been asked to install CCTV Cameras at all vulnerable areas/point in the School premises and ensure they are functional at all times. Further, the schools have to get the police verification and psychometric evaluation done for all the staff employed including for non-teaching staff such as, bus drivers, conductors, peon and other support staff.
Schools have been asked to ensure that supporting staff is employed only from authorized agencies and proper records are maintained. Constitution
a parent-teacher-students committee to address the safety needs of the students and to take regular feedback from parents has also been recommended. Importantly, the access to school building by outsiders should be controlled and visitors monitored.
The CBSE directive also tells that the school shall constitute separate committees for redressal of public/staff/parents/students grievances, Internal Complaints committee on sexual harassment and committees under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offence) Act, 2012 and details of the these committees along with contact details shall be displayed prominently on School Notice Board and conspicuously on the school website for information of all stakeholders.
Moreover, the schools should also strive to promote a better understanding amongst their teachers and staff on the laws protecting the safety, security and interests of the students and device means to take immediate remedial and punitive action against such violations. The staff members should also be educated to recognize their protective obligation towards students and to ensure safety and well being of children in schools.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt of India has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines regarding preventive mechanisms and procedures for institutionalizing a system to ensure safety and security of children in schools.
