Education Ministry implements school safety guidelines nationwide

The Ministry of Education has ordered all States and Union Territories (UTs) to execute the "Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021" while ensuring the protection of children in educational institutions. This action is in accordance with the Supreme Court's orders in Writ Petitions (Criminal) No. 136 of 2017 and (Civil) No. 874 of 2017.

The rules, aligned with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, are meant to establish clear accountability for school management across Government, Government-aided, and Private Schools.
Preventive education, reporting guidelines, regulatory requirements, assistance programs, and the creation of a safe environment for learning are important components .

Updates of this notification status on these guidelines within their respective jurisdictions have been requested by the Ministry from the States and Union Territories. The recommendations, which are advisory in nature and were first made available on October 1, 2021, give States the freedom to modify them to suit their own requirements. They emphasize a "Zero Tolerance Policy" for carelessness with relation to the security of children.

The aim of these guidelines is to raise awareness among various stakeholders about the acts, policies, procedures, and guidelines that are currently available on various aspects of safety and security, such as physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and specific to natural disasters, as well as to foster understanding among students and parents about the necessity of co-creating a safe and secure school environment for the holistic development of children.

The purpose of the guidelines is to provide clarity on each stakeholder's role in the implementation of the guideline and to empower various stakeholders. In private and unaided schools, it is the responsibility of school management, principals, and teachers to ensure the safety and well-being of students. In government and government-aided schools, it is the responsibility of the head of school, teachers, and education administration. It also covers the transportation of students to and from school.