The Ministry of Education has asked all states and UTs to strictly enforce the safety guidelines laid down for schools.

The Ministry of Education has issued a direction to all State Governments and UTs for implementing the “Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021,” issued for enhancing the safety and security of children in the schools. It has been issued in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court in Writ Petitions, nos. (Criminal) 136 of 2017 and (Civil) 874 of 2017.

These guidelines, in effect, bring in uniformity of approach between the POCSO Act and what obtains in schools, whether Government, Government-aided, or Private. They extend to include issues on preventive education, reporting mechanisms, legal provisions, and the process involved in creating a safe learning environment.

It has asked the states and UTs to update on the status of notification of these guidelines in their respective jurisdictions. Initially circulated on October 1, 2021, these guidelines are advisory in nature and permit local adaptation. A critical ingredient of the guidelines is the insistence on a ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ towards any negligence relating to child safety.

Such guidelines look to collaborate the effort of all stakeholders, students, and parents in creating a safe school environment that would help the holistic growth of children. They also emphasize that there is a great deal of awareness required regarding acts, policies, and procedures already existing concerning different areas of safety, such as physical, socioemotional, cognitive, and preparedness against natural disasters.

Accountability for the safety of children while in school or during transportation to and from schools is clearly defined. It lies with School Management, Principals, and Teachers in case of Private and Unaided Schools. In the case of Government and Government-aided schools, it rests with the Head or in-charge Head of School, Teachers, and education administration.

This initiative by the Ministry therefore shows that there is a need for the stakeholders to be empowered and be clear in their roles, so that they can work together in ensuring the children are safe and secure within the educational institutions in the country.