Hyderabad: There has been a spurt in the number of crimes in schools. Parents claim that peers and staff members are largely responsible for the cases of abuse and assault which occur on school premises. In the light of recent events, the CBSE, to which over 150 schools in Hyderabad are affiliated, on Wednesday released a circular containing rules aimed at protecting students.
Schools affiliated to the board have been given two months to have safety audits of their premises carried out by police.
The conduction of psychometric evaluation of all employees including teachers, non-teaching staff, drivers, sanitation workers, and watchmen has also been advised.
A DEO said, “Recently, a staff member of a school in Hyderabad made a girl stand near the boys’ washroom. A psychometric evaluation will examine mental ability and help ascertain whether a person is qualified to work with children or not.”
The circular states that schools are responsible for the safety of their students not only during school hours but also while they are in transit.
Lakshmi Rao, an expert in education says, “Children who travel by school buses cannot be monitored. There should be constant communication between teachers and parents to ensure that all children reach home safely.”
The notice acknowledges the increase in the number of complaints regarding the involvement of staff members in untoward incidents on school premises. Schools have been asked to only employ support staff from recognised agencies. They have been advised to install CCTV cameras and to constitute separate committees for the redressal of the grievances of parents and students.
