Ministry of Education releases New Guidelines to Strengthens School Safety

The comprehensive guidelines are designed to bolster procedures, enforce accountability, and ensure a secure environment for students in Government, Government-aided, and Private schools.

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has underscored its dedication to safeguarding students by unveiling the ‘Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021.’ This initiative, driven by directives from the Supreme Court in Writ Petitions (Criminal) No. 136 of 2017 and (Civil) No. 874 of 2017, aligns with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Guidelines. The comprehensive guidelines are designed to bolster procedures, enforce accountability, and ensure a secure environment for students in Government, Government-aided, and Private schools.

Comprehensive Safety Measures and Accountability

The new guidelines, disseminated to all States/UTs/Autonomous Bodies and relevant Stakeholder Ministries on October 1, 2021, outline a robust framework for maintaining school safety. Key provisions include:

- Preventive Education: Emphasizing the importance of proactive safety education for students.

- Stakeholder Accountability: Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of school management, teachers, and other relevant parties.

- Reporting Procedures: Establishing clear channels for reporting safety concerns.

- Legal Provisions: Detailing the legal requirements and support mechanisms available.

- Counseling and Support: Providing resources for student support and counseling.

The guidelines aim to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment, ensuring that all students benefit from positive educational outcomes.

Implementation and Adaptation

The guidelines are advisory and available on the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) website [here](https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-10/guidelines_sss.pdf). States and Union Territories have been encouraged to modify these guidelines as needed to address specific regional requirements.

Objectives and Emphasis

The primary objectives of the guidelines are:

- Enhanced Understanding: Educating stakeholders, including students and parents, about the necessity of a secure school environment for holistic child development.

- Awareness: Informing about existing acts, policies, and procedures related to safety across various aspects—physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and disaster-specific.

- Empowerment: Clarifying the roles of different stakeholders in implementing safety measures.

- Accountability: Holding school management, principals, and teachers responsible for the safety of children, including during transportation.

- Zero Tolerance Policy: Enforcing a strict zero-tolerance stance on negligence regarding student safety.

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