The Education Department has become vigilant following reported cases of sexual exploitation of female students in some districts of the state. During school supervision, the District Education Officer, District Elementary Education Officer, and District Project Coordinator will inspect various areas such as the school head’s room, laboratory, classroom, and ITC lab.
The installation of curtains and black mirrors will no longer be allowed in these areas, and orders have been issued to remove them from schools where they are installed. Closed complaint boxes in schools will be reopened. The Balika Manch and Mann Ki Baat programs will be reinstated, allowing girls to share their thoughts. During supervision, officers will engage with the children, providing them with an opportunity to express their feelings. All supervisory officers will collect such information at the district level and prepare monitoring reports, with the required form issued by the headquarters.
Orders have also been given to ensure compliance with all child safety parameters. The reactivation of committees has been instructed. The department has emphasized the activation of committees formed at the district and block levels. Meeting reports should be shared with the relevant department, and proper coordination with the Women and Child Development Department is required. The training conducted for all school heads regarding child safety will be examined.
The responsibility will be transferred to the School Management Committee. At least five percent of the girls will be heard by female members of the SMC. If any issues arise, appropriate action will be approved by including it in the agenda of the SMC meeting. Names and mobile numbers of SMC members, including the President, Vice President, and female members, should be displayed where children can access them. Before the monthly SMC meeting, female SMC members will discuss with at least 50 children to understand their thoughts. They will create an environment that allows children to express their views without hesitation. Special care will be taken to handle suspicious cases, ensuring the student’s identity is not revealed. School management committees will also receive training for this purpose. Government schools will now undergo more thorough inspections. If female students have any complaints, they can inform the school head, teacher, their parents, SMC, and officials. New instructions have been sent to all schools.” – Subhash Bhardwaj, District Elementary Education Officer, Jhajjar.
