Report untoward incidents without delay, Delhi govt tells schools

To ensure better monitoring of any untoward incident at schools in the city, the Delhi government has directed principals of all schools to ‘report’ to the education directorate any ‘unpleasant incident such as accident, violence, molestation or protest’ without any delay.

The move was initiated after the alleged rape of a minor girl at a New Delhi Municipal Council-led school. Following the incident, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to Delhi Police, seeking inquiry report on the incident.

“All heads of government, aided and recognised unaided schools are directed to report immediately any untoward incident like violence, accident, dharna, quarrel, fire, protest, demonstration, theft, stampede, molestation, serious injury, suicide attempt or death to senior education department official whosoever is available at the moment,” stated the communication dated August 9 sent to school principals by the Directorate of Education (DoE).

It added that in certain cases, they have got to know of such incidents from the media or other sources instead of the head of school. As a result, the communication stated, appropriate action cannot be taken on time. It increases the threat to safety and security of students and causes otherwise avoidable embarrassment to department.

“Therefore, all such occurrences must be brought to the notice of senior officers without any delay. Non-compliance of the directive will be viewed seriously and action deemed fit will be initiated against the erring head of the school,” the circular said.

First Published: Aug 13, 2018 03:17 IST