A first: UT orders school safety audit

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Chandigarh Administration has ordered a comprehensive school safety audit to reinforce child protection and educational excellence.

Acting on the directives issued by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, to safeguard the students and strengthen the institutional accountability, the Directorate of School Education today issued school safety audit guidelines. These are to be mandatorily implemented across all government, government-aided, private recognised and Central Government schools in the Union Territory.

“These guidelines mark a strategic and proactive leap in transforming Chandigarh into a nationally acclaimed hub of school education, combining high academic outcomes with a robust focus on safety, inclusivity and student well-being,” Education Secretary Prerna Puri told The Tribune.

Recognising that child and teacher safety is a primary concern, she said the guidelines were structured to ensure that every educational institution in Chandigarh adhered to verifiable safety standards. This includes the physical safety of school infrastructure, psychosocial wellness of students, emergency preparedness and the establishment of a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence or abuse.

The initiative is fully aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the NDMA School Safety Policy 2016, and performance benchmarks of the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0, solidifying Chandigarh’s place as a leader in national achievement in school education, she said

As per the order issued by the Director School Education, Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, all schools must conduct a comprehensive safety audit that assesses building stability, fire safety systems, electrical infrastructure, access control at gates and readiness for natural or man-made disasters.

The audit guidelines also include checks for psychosocial safety, such as the availability of counselling services, mechanisms for incident reporting, peer support networks, and inclusive mental health programmes.

“Schools are directed to coordinate with certified audit agencies or government-deployed engineering teams, depending on their category, and submit compliance reports by August 30,” said Brar.

Hailing the initiative as a foundational reform, Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma said, “Chandigarh is fast becoming a national benchmark in school education, not just in academic performance, but in the way we care for our children. These school safety audit guidelines reflect our unwavering commitment to creating learning environments where safety, dignity and preparedness are non-negotiable. We are building schools that meet not only Indian standards but aspire to match international best practices in safety and infrastructure. This is not just about protecting children but also empowering them.”

The guidelines also advocate for international-standard infrastructure and facilities in schools, with specific emphasis on accessibility, hygiene and security.

Schools are required to provide well-lit classrooms and corridors, functional CCTV coverage at vulnerable spots, barrier-free access for children with disabilities, separate toilets for boys and girls, secure school transport, and clean drinking water.

A major component is the school safety and disaster management plan, which must be prominently displayed in every classroom and regularly updated with inputs from students and teachers.

Emphasising the significance of institutionalising safety through participatory governance, the Education Secretary said, “Safety is the bedrock of quality education. These guidelines will ensure that every school in Chandigarh is not only a centre of learning but also a haven of safety, respect and resilience. We are moving toward a model where every teacher, parent and administrator understands their role in safeguarding children. From physical infrastructure to emotional wellness, our vision is to create schools that reflect the highest standards of care and accountability.”

The DSE divulged that a critical feature of the guidelines is the 24-hour mandatory incident reporting rule, which obliges all schools to report any accident, safety hazard or near-miss to relevant authorities within one day of occurrence. “Negligence in this regard will invite strict penalties, reinforcing a culture of vigilance and responsibility,” he said.

The Directorate has also called upon school management committees (SMCs), parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and local communities to play an active role in co-creating safe school environments. “Schools are expected to involve stakeholders in ‘safety walks’, mock drills, and feedback forums to ensure community-rooted resilience,” Brar said.

To uphold transparency and ensure compliance, the District Education Officer will collect reports from all schools and submit a consolidated audit status to the Directorate by September 10.

Special emphasis will be placed on regular monitoring, documentation, and coordination with civil and public health departments.

TO ENSURE SAFE, INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR ALL: KATARIA

“By introducing these guidelines, Chandigarh not only secures its educational institutions but also sets a precedent for other states and Union Territories. This is a major stride towards fulfilling the constitutional promise of safe and inclusive education for all, and towards achieving India’s long-term developmental goals under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework,” said Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Governor-Cum-Chandigarh Administrator