The Ministry of Education has instructed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to implement the “Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021” to improve child protection within educational institutions. This directive follows orders from the Supreme Court in Writ Petitions (Criminal) No. 136 of 2017 and (Civil) No. 874 of 2017.
Aligned with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, these guidelines aim to establish clear accountability for school management in Government, Government-aided, and Private Schools. They cover essential areas such as preventive education, reporting procedures, legal requirements, support services, and the creation of a safe learning environment.
The Ministry has asked States and UTs to update on the implementation status of these guidelines. First circulated on October 1, 2021, the guidelines are advisory and allow States to adapt them to local conditions. They emphasize a ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ toward negligence in child safety.
The guidelines seek to inform all stakeholders, including students and parents, about the importance of fostering a secure school environment for children’s holistic development. They also aim to increase awareness about existing safety protocols covering physical, socio-emotional, cognitive aspects, and preparedness for natural disasters.
These guidelines are intended to clarify the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in ensuring children’s safety, including school management, principals, teachers in private and unaided schools, and heads of government or government-aided schools. They also address accountability for the safety of children during school transportation.