New norms by CBSE to make schools safer
New Delhi, Sept. 14: Placing the onus on schools for safety of students, the CBSE on Thursday issued new security-related guidelines to be implemented by the institutions, failing which they will face derecognition.
Safety audits, installation of CCTV cameras, police verification and psychometric evaluation of staff are some of the measures suggested in the guidelines issued in the backdrop of the killing of a seven-year-old student in a Gurgaon school and the rape of a girl. The guidelines also recommend controlling outsiders’ access to school premises.
New Delhi, Sept. 14: Placing the onus on schools for safety of students on their premises, the CBSE today issued new security-related guidelines that included a psychometric test for teaching and non-teaching staff.
The board has asked schools to complete the evaluation process within two months and implement the other guidelines, failing which they would face derecognition.
The board’s directive comes amid increased concerns about safety of students in school premises following the killing of a seven-year-old in a Gurgaon school and the rape of a five-year-old girl by a school peon in Delhi.
“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. This may be complied and reported online on CBSE website within two months of receipt of this circular,” the CBSE directive states.
Safety audits, installation of CCTV cameras, police verification, constitution of parent-teacher-students committees to address safety needs of the students and taking regular feedback from parents are among the other measures prescribed by the board.
“The onus for safety and security of children in school campus shall solely lie upon the school authorities. It is a fundamental right of a child to engage and study in an environment where he/she feels safe and is free from any form of physical or emotional abuse or harassment,” the directive further says.
It also says that access to the school building by outsiders should be controlled and visitors monitored.
“Any violation/lapses with regard to safety and well being of children in school campus would invite appropriate action including the disaffiliation of the school as per the provisions under affiliation by-laws of the board,” it adds.