Having a child is one of the biggest joy of a married couple.The parents do anything possible to see their children smile. Parents are always concerned about their children’s safety. However if we look at the incidences like child abuse, molestation & murder happening at schools, it seems that schools need to be more conscious regarding their student’s safety. If you are thinking that it should be the responsibility of the government then think again.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) data shows that in 2013, India’s ratio of 138 police personnel per lakh of population was the fifth lowest among the 71 countries for which the agency collated these figures.
As of now the CBSE has provided security and safety guidelines to schools. Schools are required to hire certified security guards only and there will be security audits in schools in every 6 months.
1. The schools should educate the students and school staff about the laws related to safety, security and interests of the students and to take immediate action against any violence.
2. The staff members should also be educated about their responsibilities for the protection of students. The management should ensure safety and well being of children in schools.
3. Security /safety audit should be done on school premises and personnel from their respective local police station. This may be compiled and reported online on the CBSE website within two months of receipt of the circular.
4. Install CCTV Cameras at all vulnerable are as/point in the school premises and ensure they are functional at all times.
5. They must get the police verification, and psychometric evaluation is done for all the staff employed. Such verification and evaluation for non-teaching staff such as bus drivers, conductors, peon and other support staff may be done very carefully and in a detailed manner.
6. The school should hire the supporting staff only from authorized agencies and proper records are maintained.7. To constitute a parent-teacher-students committee to address the safety needs of the students and to take regular feedback from parents in this regard.
8. The access to school building by outsiders should be controlled and visitors monitored.
9. To provide training and development for staff to address their responsibilities to protect children from any form of abuse.
10. The school shall constitute separate committees for redressal of public/staff/parents/students grievances, Internal Complaints committee on sexual harassment and committees under POCSO Act and details of 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.
11. All schools affiliated with CBSE are at this moment directed to strictly adhere to all the guidelines issued by Ministry of Human Resource Development and Board from time to time. Any violation/lapses about 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.