Mangaluru Education Department Issues Comprehensive Safety Directives for Schools
In a significant move to enhance student safety, the Department of School Education and Literacy in Mangaluru has issued a detailed circular directing all educational institutions to strengthen safety arrangements during national festivals, government programmes, and cultural or administrative events. The directive emphasizes the critical need to prevent accidents and ensure a prompt emergency response, aiming to create a secure environment for students.
Strict Adherence to Child Protection Guidelines
The circular, issued on Friday by Shubhamangala RV, Special Officer and Ex-Officio Undersecretary to the Government (Planning) in the Department of School Education and Literacy, mandates that school heads and teachers strictly follow the guidelines set by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. It calls for concrete steps to ensure children's safety before, during, and after events, with school administrations, managements, and committees required to anticipate unforeseen incidents, implement preventive measures, and respond swiftly to any mishaps to avoid panic or disruption.
Key Safety Measures Outlined in the Circular
The circular outlines nearly 13 specific safety measures, with a strong focus on practical implementations. Key measures include:
- Flagpole Safety: Ensuring flagpoles are installed at a safe distance from electrical lines, with no wires obstructing flag hoisting. Children are strictly prohibited from raising or lowering flags or climbing flagpoles, even if a flag gets stuck.
- Venue Inspection: Thoroughly inspecting venues used for drills, marches, and cultural programmes to guarantee they are safe for student movement and seating.
- Electrical Safety: Properly securing all electrical installations at event sites, keeping them out of reach of children and the public, and preventing water leakage or flow near electrical wiring.
Emphasis on Transport and Food Safety
Transport safety has been given special emphasis for events and competitions. Institutions must:
- Ensure the fitness of vehicles.
- Enforce speed limits.
- Verify that drivers are not under the influence of intoxicants.
- Strictly avoid carrying students beyond the permitted capacity.
Additionally, the department has mandated strict food and water safety checks. Organisers must ensure the cleanliness and quality of drinking water, beverages, and food before distribution. Children must be restricted from entering cooking and food preparation areas, and gas cylinders and stoves must be regularly inspected to minimise fire hazards.
Traffic Management and Emergency Preparedness
Traffic and crowd management measures include installing clear parking signage and arranging parking facilities at least 100 meters away from event venues. Schools have been asked to conduct awareness sessions to educate students on precautionary steps during unforeseen situations and provide emergency response training to senior students and teachers.
Collaboration with Local Authorities
The directives further call for the involvement of School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) and in-charge committee members in event planning. Local administrations have been directed to accord top priority to child safety. Organisers are also instructed to inform local police, medical services, fire departments, and administrative officials in advance about programmes involving children, ensuring emergency services are prepared to respond promptly if required.
This comprehensive approach by the Mangaluru education department underscores a proactive stance towards safeguarding students during public events, aligning with broader efforts to enhance child welfare and safety in educational settings.
