Ministry of Education Reinforces School Safety with Comprehensive 2021 Guidelines

The guidelines, which are advisory in nature, were circulated to all States, Union Territories, Autonomous Bodies of DoSEL, and relevant Stakeholder Ministries on October 1, 2021.

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has reiterated its strong commitment to ensuring the safety and security of children in schools and other educational institutions. In alignment with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directives in Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 136 of 2017 and Writ Petition (Civil) No. 874 of 2017, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) has developed the "Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021," designed to enhance procedures, accountability, and safeguards for students. These guidelines are aligned with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and emphasize the need for a safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environment.

Key Aspects of the Guidelines:

Accountability: The guidelines hold school management accountable for the safety and security of children in government, government-aided, and private schools. They outline the roles of various stakeholders, including school management, principals, teachers, and education administrators, in ensuring a secure environment for students.

Preventive Education and Reporting: The guidelines include measures for preventive education, detailed reporting procedures, and support for children. They highlight the importance of creating awareness about legal provisions and ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed about safety protocols.

Empowerment of Stakeholders: The guidelines aim to empower all stakeholders, including students, parents, school staff, and administrators, by providing clarity on their roles in implementing safety measures. They emphasize the need for a collaborative effort to maintain a safe school environment.

Zero Tolerance Policy: A critical component of the guidelines is the "Zero Tolerance Policy" against any negligence concerning the safety and security of children. This policy underscores the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and holds individuals and management accountable for any lapses.

The guidelines, which are advisory in nature, were circulated to all States, Union Territories, Autonomous Bodies of DoSEL, and relevant Stakeholder Ministries on October 1, 2021. States and UTs have been encouraged to adapt these guidelines to their specific needs and incorporate additional measures if necessary. The complete guidelines are available on the DoSEL website at Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021.

The overarching goal of these guidelines is to foster an understanding among all stakeholders of the necessity to co-create a secure and supportive school environment, ensuring the holistic development of every child.