In a significant move towards ensuring the safety and security of children across the nation, the Supreme Court has directed all States and UTs to notify the Centre’s 2021 guidelines on school safety and security. This directive, issued while hearing a plea by the NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan, serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect children in schools, an issue that has been repeatedly emphasised but remains inadequately addressed. Schools are meant to be sanctuaries of learning, where students can grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. However, the increasing incidents of bullying, sexual abuse, and safety lapses have undermined parents’ confidence in schools as safe spaces for their children. These concerns culminated in the 2021 guidelines on school safety and security, issued by the Union Ministry of Education, which aim to ensure that schools across the country adopt standardised measures to safeguard children from all forms of exploitation, harm, and abuse. The guidelines represent a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety and security of children in schools. They are designed to address the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of children, offering a framework that extends beyond the mere prevention of physical harm. By calling for their immediate implementation, the SC has signalled the critical importance of protecting children within the school environment, a sentiment echoed by parents, educators, and child rights activists alike.
Despite the existence of the guidelines, progress has been alarmingly slow. Only five states have notified these guidelines since their introduction in 2021. This reflects a troubling apathy toward the issue of school safety at the state and UT levels, with many children continuing to be vulnerable to a wide array of threats. It is not just a legal requirement for states to implement these guidelines; it is a moral imperative to protect the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
The SC’s directive places the onus squarely on the shoulders of the Chief Secretaries of States and UTs, urging them to ensure compliance with the guidelines. However, the role of States and UTs should not end at mere notification. Proactive implementation, continuous monitoring, and regular evaluation must be followed to ensure that these guidelines are not just words on paper but are actively enforced in every school. This also necessitates capacity building at the local level. Many schools, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas, lack the resources or infrastructure to implement safety guidelines effectively. Governments must allocate resources, provide training, and support school administrations to create a safer environment for students. Safety mechanisms should be integrated into every aspect of school management-from the construction of buildings and playgrounds to the hiring of staff and the development of a child-friendly school culture.
While guidelines are a critical first step, they do not carry the same weight as laws, which have specific enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance. Thus, the ultimate goal should be to enact robust legislation that mandates school safety and security at both public and private institutions. Such legislation should cover a wide range of issues-from the safety of physical infrastructure, including fire safety, secure entry points, CCTV surveillance, and the psychological well-being of children, including mechanisms for addressing bullying, emotional abuse, and mental health support. Moreover, stringent vetting procedures should be in place for all staff working within school premises, including security personnel, bus drivers, and ancillary staff.
Schools should not be solely responsible for ensuring the safety of children in their premises. It requires a concerted effort involving parents, local communities, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary. Importantly, child safety in schools should be viewed as a national priority. The fact that the SC had to intervene to direct the States and UTs to implement guidelines highlights the need for a shift in mindset. Children’s safety should not be contingent upon judicial orders but should be embedded in the governance of the education system.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
