Days after the central board of secondary education (CBSE) issued safety guidelines for affiliated schools following the murder of a 8-year-old boy in a Gurgaon School, Kendriya Vidyalyas (KVs) has also issued a similar directive to schools.
The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), under the ministry of human resource development (HRD), has made deputy commissioners of the area responsible for any violations of these standard safety procedures.
School authorities have been asked to monitor the work of watch and ward services while also maintaining a CCTV surveillance system on campus. Upkeep of the school building, police verification of all staff engaged on contract or outsourced staff are some of the other responsibilities.
“Safety and security of students is a paramount concern for the KVs hence any lapses and dereliction of duty at any level will be viewed seriously. It is the responsibility of deputy commissioners to ensure and monitor the implementation of the required safety measures effectively in all KVs in their respective jurisdiction,” reads the circular issued by the Sangathan.
It further states that the recent mishaps as reported in various schools of the country are quite alarming. There are more than 1,100-odd KVs in the country, where more than 1.2 million students study.
{{/usCountry}}It further states that the recent mishaps as reported in various schools of the country are quite alarming. There are more than 1,100-odd KVs in the country, where more than 1.2 million students study.
{{/usCountry}}“These incidents reflect lapses of student safety norms and underline the need to strengthen our existing system to make KVs safe places for students,” it further points out.
According to a senior KV official, several embarrasing incidents have recently been circulated in the media.
“It is pertinent to mention that on receipt of reports ... the KVS has already initiated disciplinary action against erring officials,” he said.