Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to bolster the safety and well-being of students across the nation, the Union Education Ministry, under the leadership of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has issued a comprehensive directive to all States and Union Territories. This urgent mandate emphasizes a proactive and holistic approach to child safety in schools and related facilities, coming in the wake of recent concerns regarding student security.
The directive underscores the critical need for mandatory safety audits of all educational institutions and child-related public facilities. These audits are to be conducted in strict adherence to national safety codes and disaster management guidelines, with a thorough assessment of structural integrity, fire safety, emergency exits, and electrical wiring. This measure aims to identify and rectify potential hazards before they can pose a threat to students.
A cornerstone of the new directive is the focus on awareness and training. It mandates that all school staff and students receive comprehensive training in emergency preparedness, including regular evacuation drills, essential first aid, and robust safety protocols. To ensure effectiveness, the Ministry has urged strengthened collaborations with local authorities such such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), fire services, police, and medical agencies, for conducting periodic training sessions and mock drills.
Recognizing that student well-being extends beyond physical safety, the Ministry has prioritized psychosocial support. The directive calls for the provision of readily accessible counselling services, the establishment of peer support systems, and the implementation of community engagement initiatives to address the mental health and emotional well-being of children and youth.
To ensure accountability and prompt action, a stringent reporting mechanism has been put in place. The directive mandates that any dangerous situation, near miss, or incident with potential to harm children or youth must be reported to the designated State or UT authority within 24 hours. Strict accountability will be enforced for any delays, negligence, or failure to act on such reports.
Furthermore, the Ministry has appealed for greater public responsibility, encouraging parents, guardians, community leaders, and local bodies to remain vigilant and promptly report any unsafe conditions observed in schools, public areas, or modes of transportation used by children and youth. This collaborative approach seeks to create a collective safety net for students.
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Education Departments, School Boards, and all affiliated authorities to implement these measures without delay, emphasizing the shared responsibility of the Union Government and the States/UTs in ensuring that no child or youth is subjected to preventable risks. This directive marks a significant step towards creating safer and more secure learning environments for all students across India.