DoE asks schools to follow safety and security guidelines

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has urged all schools in the national capital to implement guidelines for safety and security of students.The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has curated guidelines mentioning about the accountability of school management in the issue related to safety and security if children.

"All the heads of government, government-aided and private schools are directed to take the necessary steps as elaborated in the guidelines," reads a circular issued by the directorate.

It further added "The Ministry of Education has also introduced the ‘Guidelines on School Safety and Security 2021' issued in compliance with the Supreme Court's directions and the National Education Policy, 2020,”.

The DoE has directed all heads of schools to make sure the readiness of schools as per the checklist for safety inspection of schools as provided in the manual on safety and security of children by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

All heads of the institutions have been asked to sincerely follow the guidelines which have been provided by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for hostels of educational institutions.

The guidelines are advisory in nature, it details the accountability of several stakeholders and different departments in making sure the safety and security of children in schools. State and Union Territories have been informed to adhere to the guidelines, if deemed necessary, according to the State/UT specific requirements and notify these guidelines.

MoE has recommended guidelines of School Safety and Security (2021) for fixing the accountability of the School Management in the matter of Safety of students in school, it also includes private schools.

The purpose of this guideline is to build understanding among stakeholders, it includes students and parents , on the requirement of co-creating a safe and secure school environment for the holistic development of children.