CBSE Breaks Silence Over Security Of Children In Schools

Seven year old Pradyuman was found dead with his throat slit in the washroom of the school, in the morning while his classroom was merely 10 steps away.

The latest CBSE circular that has been issued to all affiliated schools talks about how schools should strive to promote a better understanding amongst their teachers and staff on the laws protecting the safety, security and interests of the students.

The circular also talked about how the Board has also from time to time issued instructions to implement and sensitize the schools for ensuring the safety and security of students during school time and while in transit to school and back home.

The circular has asked all affiliated schools to comply with a few guidelines regarding safety of children on school premises:

(a) 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.

 (b) Install CCTV Cameras at all vulnerable areas/point in the School premises and ensure they are functional at all times.

(c) They must get the police verification and psychometric evaluation 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.

 (d) Ensure that supporting staff is employed only from authorized agencies and proper records are maintained.

(e) 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.

(f) The access to school building by outsiders should be controlled and visitors monitored.

 (g) To provide training and development for staff to address their responsibilities to protect children from any form of abuse.

(h) 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.

The circular further added that all schools affiliated with CBSE need to strictly adhere to any guidelines issued by MHRD or the Board. Any violations or lapses would result in the disaffiliation of the school.