NEW DELHI – In a move aimed at ensuring the absolute safety and dignity of students, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi has issued a sweeping set of directives, mandating comprehensive safety audits for all schools across the capital. The administration has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy, warning that institutions failing to comply with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act will face severe administrative action.
The directives were finalized during a high-level meeting at Raj Niwas, attended by the Delhi Police Commissioner, the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and the Director of Education.
Mandatory Safety Audits
The Education Department has been tasked with conducting an exhaustive review of every school in the city. These audits will not be limited to physical infrastructure; they will specifically scrutinize:
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POCSO Compliance: Ensuring strict adherence to legal provisions designed to protect children.
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Security Systems: Evaluating the effectiveness of internal surveillance and physical campus security.
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Awareness & Reporting: Verifying that schools are conducting mandatory sensitization programs and maintaining robust, accessible grievance redressal mechanisms for students to report misconduct without fear.
Bolstered Police Presence
To complement the internal school audits, the LG has directed the Delhi Police to tighten the security perimeter around educational institutions. Police surveillance is set to be intensified, with a specific focus on peak dispersal hours and high-density student zones.
“The objective is not only to prevent untoward incidents but to instil a deep sense of confidence and security among students and their parents,” a source familiar with the proceedings stated.
Zero-Tolerance for Harassment
The administration emphasized that creating a fear-free learning environment is a top priority. By enforcing a zero-tolerance stance against molestation and harassment, the government intends to hold school administrations accountable for the well-being of the children in their care.
Enhanced Inter-Departmental Coordination
Recognizing that child safety is a multifaceted issue, the LG has mandated a unified approach between the Education Department, the Department of Women and Child Development, and the Delhi Police. This new directive aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays, ensuring that any report regarding child safety triggers immediate and coordinated action.
As these directives take effect, the message to school management across Delhi is clear: the safety of children is non-negotiable, and compliance is mandatory.
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