Srinagar, July 4 (GNS): The Child Welfare Committee, Srinagar has issued a circular directing all government and private schools in the district to strengthen child protection, safeguarding and reporting mechanisms.
In Circular, the copy which lies with GNS states that the CWC, functioning as a Bench of 1st Class Judicial Magistrate, said the directions have been issued under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 to ensure a safe and child-friendly environment in educational institutions.
The committee has directed that all teaching, non-teaching and support staff, including transport personnel, shall undergo mandatory periodic training on child protection laws, POCSO Act, JJ Act, positive discipline, mandatory reporting, and safeguarding practices.
On school transport safety, the CWC said no school bus or van shall carry children beyond approved seating capacity. All transport safety norms must be followed at all times. Every school bus and van must be equipped with functional CCTV cameras covering the passenger compartment, with the system remaining operational throughout the journey. Recordings shall be preserved and produced to competent authorities whenever required.
Schools have been asked to conduct regular awareness and sensitization programmes for students on peer bullying, cyber bullying, ragging, emotional abuse, discrimination and conflict resolution. Effective anti-bullying mechanisms and confidential reporting systems shall be established within every institution.
The circular also calls for periodic age-appropriate awareness sessions for students on personal safety, body autonomy, good touch and bad touch, personal boundaries, online safety and the importance of reporting any form of abuse to trusted adults or designated authorities.
CWC has directed schools to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards harassment, intimidation or abusive conduct by students against female teachers or women staff members. Appropriate counselling and disciplinary measures shall be undertaken in accordance with law and institutional policy.
Every educational institution shall constitute and operationalize an effective Child Protection Committee or School Safety Committee to oversee implementation of child protection measures, address complaints promptly, and periodically review safeguarding practices.
Schools shall also ensure regular engagement of counsellors or trained professionals for awareness programmes and counselling sessions related to child protection, mental health and emotional well-being. Institutions have been asked to organize value-based education sessions and co-curricular activities aimed at inculcating empathy, compassion, mutual respect, discipline and gender sensitivity among students.
The Child Helpline Number 1098 must be prominently displayed in bold letters and large digits at conspicuous places within school premises, including main entrance, notice boards, corridors, staff rooms, counselling rooms and on the rear glass of every school bus and van.
All school authorities have been reminded of their statutory obligation to report every case of suspected child abuse, neglect, exploitation or any offence against a child to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or Police and other competent authorities in accordance with POCSO Act, 2012 and JJ Act, 2015. Failure to report such incidents may attract legal consequences under applicable laws.(GNS)
