Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath issues safety guidelines for schools

Lucknow: Taking a cue from the recent incidents in schools in which children were victimised, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has decided to form stringent rules for schools in the state.

The rules will apply to all schools affiliated to CBSE, ICSE, UP Secondary Education Board, UP Sanskrit Education Board and UP Madarasa Education Board.

The new norms on safe school premises, released on Thursday, state that the main doors of all classrooms should be visible from the playground and at least one window must open towards the playground. All doors and windows of the classroom should remain open during classes.

The other rules state that entry of senior students, unauthorised people and ad hoc employees should be prohibited in the primary and junior sections without permission.

No senior student or other people should be allowed to use utilities, like toilets and drinking water, meant for children. CCTV cameras should be installed at all vulnerable points inside the premises.

The directives issued by the secondary education department are aimed at curtailing crime against children inside schools, while travelling between school and home and during field trips. It will be mandatory for all schools to have boundary walls and the main gate should be shut once classes get over.

If extra classes or sports-related activities are held, then the teacher concerned will have to ensure that the main entrance is locked once everyone leaves. The principal should ensure that no student remains in class after school gets over.

Children, who walk or cycle to school, should be encouraged to come in groups. School transportation should have a functioning GPS. Child and women helpline numbers and police station's number should be printed on the vehicle.

If the transportation is outsourced, the school authorities will have to make sure that police verification of bus drivers, conductors and helpers is done by the concerned authorities. The vehicle should mention the contact details of the school.

The parents will also be required to inform the school about the mode of transportation used by their children. If the child does not use transport of the school, parents will be held responsible for any untoward incident.