Team Herald
PANJIM: On the backdrop of some recent serious incidents relating to the sexual assault on school children, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has directed each school to put in place the Child Protection policy, which will focus on preventing sexual assault, rape and other related crimes on children in the school premises or in the bus they travel by.
GSCPCR has also issued certain guidelines in a bid to set up school safety in terms of forming an action team which would help indentify safety and security problems.
“NGO’s/organisations are required to seek permission to conduct programmes in school in which only those whose names are provided can be permitted entry. ID proofs of any visitor to the school to be seen at the entry and photocopy to be maintained. CCTV to be functional and recording be done and monitored periodically,” read the guidelines compiled by GSCPCR
“Any media/blue whale challenge game advisory to be displayed on the school notice board while a copy of it should be circulated to all the parents and teachers. All staff of the school are prohibited from smoking, drinking or eating paan or gutka in the school premises while ADEI’s to monitor periodically to verify if the guidelines are being implemented” it further reads
The guidelines further says that schools should ensure that no female students are left alone with male staff while also ensuring that there are separate male/female toilets and both at a distance. Also schools should hire staff from reputed agencies in transport, security, housekeeping and canteen sections.
However, keeping in view the safety of the school children, the GSCPCR has stated that schools should follow the guidelines issued by SC with regard to safety of school buses carrying children.
“Schools should be painted yellow with a sign board saying school bus must be displayed on the back and front of the bus. If it is hired bus ‘on school duty’ should be clearly indicated. Also the school bus should have a fist aid box while installation of speed governor is a must” the guidelines clearly states
Meanwhile, these guidelines have been sent to the Directorate of Education for implementation.
