Guidelines Issued To States Concerning Safety Of School Children

The Centre on Wednesday apprised the Supreme Court that it has issued guidelines and advisories to all states on safety and security of school children after the brutal killing of  seven-year-old Pradyuman at Ryan International School at Gurugram.

The HRD ministry has assured the apex court in an affidavit that it is willing to take further measures “in view of emergent requirements” to ensure safety of children in schools across the nation.

Responding to the PILs including one filed by Barun Chandra Thakur, father of the deceased child, the Centre, however, said it had a limited role as its guidelines had to be enforced by the states.

“It is pertinent to mention that this department has taken cognisance to ensure safety and well-being of children in schools. Guidelines and advisories on safety and security of children have been issued as and when needed,” the Centre said.

The affidavit further added, “The government has also circulated the policy guidelines of National Disaster Management Authority to all the Principal secretaries/Secretaries (Education) of all state governments and UTs.”

It also appraised the court that guidelines were issued to ensure quality, safety and hygiene under the mid-day meal scheme.

“The role of the answering respondent’s department (HRD) is limited to issuance of policy and various guidelines which are required to be enforced by various states and other authorities under which these educational institutions/schools runs their administration and daily operations,” the affidavit said.

The Centre also said that school management committees would be empowered with the participation of all stakeholders including parents to secure the school campus in all respects.

 The apex court had on October 9 asked all the state governments to ensure that the Centre’s guidelines on safety and security of children were implemented in “reality” in every school of the country.

The Centre had earlier told the apex court that it has been issuing guidelines on safety of children to state governments.

The bench had posted the matter for further hearing on October 30.

Earlier, the CBSE said the gruesome killing of a minor boy of Gurugram’s Ryan International School took place due to the “negligence” of institution’s administration as drivers and conductors were allowed to use washrooms meant only for kids and staff.

The deceased boy's father had sought framing and strict adherence of guidelines to ensure that no other child meets the fate of his son.