The Ministry of Education has directed all States and Union Territories to implement immediate measures ensuring both physical and psychological security for children and youth in schools and public facilities.
According to an official release issued on Saturday, comprehensive school safety audits have been made mandatory across all institutions frequented by children, including public spaces. These inspections are to be conducted in line with national safety codes and disaster management protocols.
Key Safety Measures Mandated
The directive highlights several critical actions to be undertaken by educational authorities:
- Compulsory structural and safety audits: Schools must assess structural stability, fire safety systems, emergency exits, and electrical infrastructure to ensure full compliance with national standards.
- 24-Hour incident reporting: Any incident or near-miss posing a threat to students’ safety must be reported to the respective State or UT authority within 24 hours. The ministry has emphasized strict accountability for delays or negligence.
- Mental health support: Recognising the importance of emotional and psychological health, the directive stresses the need for counselling services, peer support programs, and community engagement to promote overall well-being.
- Training & preparedness: Schools must organise regular emergency evacuation drills, first-aid training, and awareness sessions for students and staff in collaboration with local agencies such as NDMA, fire departments, police, and medical teams.
- Community vigilance: Parents, guardians, and local communities are urged to actively participate in identifying and reporting unsafe school environments or transportation facilities.
The Ministry reiterated its shared responsibility with States and UTs to ensure that no child is placed in avoidable danger, reinforcing the need for proactive and coordinated action by school boards, education departments, and affiliated institutions.
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This nationwide safety overhaul comes at a time when increasing concerns over child safety in educational settings demand urgent attention.
