The Ministry of Education has released a directive to all States and Union Territories (UTs) to implement the "Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021" to enhance the protection of children in educational institutions. This directive follows instructions from the Supreme Court in Writ Petitions (Criminal) No. 136 of 2017 and (Civil) No. 874 of 2017.

The guidelines, in alignment with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, aim to establish clear accountability for school management across Government, Government-aided, and Private Schools. Key components include preventive education, reporting procedures, legal provisions, support services, and the creation of a safe learning environment.

The Ministry has asked States and UTs to update on the notification status of these guidelines within their jurisdictions. Initially circulated on October 1, 2021, the guidelines are advisory and allow States to adapt them to local needs. They emphasise a 'Zero Tolerance Policy' towards negligence in child safety.

The purpose of these guidelines is to foster a shared understanding among all stakeholders, including students and parents, about the importance of collaboratively creating a safe and secure school environment for the holistic development of children. They aim to raise awareness about existing acts, policies, procedures, and guidelines related to various aspects of safety and security, including physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and those specific to natural disasters.

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The guidelines are designed to empower various stakeholders and provide clarity on their roles in implementing these measures.

The guidelines aim to establish accountability for ensuring the safety and security of children in schools, including during transportation to and from school. For Private/Unaided Schools, accountability falls on the School Management, Principals, and Teachers. For Government/Government-aided Schools, it is the responsibility of the Head or In-charge Head of the School, Teachers, and the education administration.

(With ANI Inputs) 

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