CG School Safety Rule: To ensure student safety in state-run schools, teachers must now conduct a thorough inspection of all classrooms, restrooms, laboratories, and playgrounds before the school closes for the day. The Directorate of Public Instruction has issued these directives to all Joint Directors and District Education Officers.
Need for Special Vigilance
The directive emphasizes the critical need for special vigilance regarding student safety during school hours and at the time of dismissal. It has often been observed that a lack of proper supervision creates a risk of accidents. Furthermore, incidents where students are inadvertently locked inside classrooms or restrooms have come to light, which is a matter of serious concern.
Directives Issued
Before the school closes each day, the head of the institution must ensure that a thorough inspection of all classrooms, restrooms, laboratories, and playgrounds has been carried out. Rooms and the main gate are to be locked only after confirming that no students remain on the premises.
To implement this, a nodal teacher or staff member will be assigned duty on a rotational basis; this person will be personally responsible for inspecting the entire campus at dismissal time and ensuring the premises are locked. Additionally, the presence of teachers at the main gate will be mandatory to manage crowds and ensure the safe exit of students during dismissal.
Pits and Open Borewells to be Sealed
The directive mandates the immediate sealing of any pits or open borewells within the school premises. Instructions have also been issued to inspect and repair exposed electrical wiring, as walls can become damp during the rainy season.
Why Was This Order Issued?
This order comes in the wake of several incidents concerning safety within school premises over recent months. Concerns have mounted due to issues such as the dilapidated condition of school buildings during the monsoon, exposed electrical wiring, waterlogging, open borewells, and the presence of venomous creatures on the campus. In view of these matters, the Directorate of Public Instruction has issued instructions to all government schools to regularly inspect their premises before the holidays, identify potential risks, and ensure immediate corrective action.
