Open House: What is needed to safeguard students and strengthen accountability at schools?

Timely audits are a necessity

Schools are rightly called vidya mandirs. Parents repose their full trust when send their wards to gain knowledge. Incidents threatening student safety though have made audits a necessity. The audits should be undertaken in regard to the sexual harassment meted out to students and ensure safety measures for incidents related to fires, construction accidents and even unchecked visitors. Accidents like tree collapses should simply be unacceptable and recurrent audits are the only way to avoid them.

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

Focus on both mental, physical wellness

A safety audit should address both the physical and mental wellness of students. Of late, instances of stabbing in schools or in close vicinity have been reported. How students carry weapons in their bag is a matter of concern. Random checks must be conducted to curb it. The pressure of doing well in exams can also negative affect students so parents and teachers should step up and support the youngsters.

SK Gautam, Chandigarh

Set up school management panels

An audit covering numerous aspects of the school environment from student enrolment and achievement, funding, teacher qualifications and pupil-teacher ratios, school facilities can be a real game-changer. Monitoring financial, managerial, or pedagogical aspects, establishing school management committees comprised of teachers, parents and providing a redressal mechanism can help further the cause.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Have a dedicated grievance cell

A robust system of preventive measures and swift redressal mechanisms has become essential for schools. Schools should be mandated to install CCTV cameras in common areas, have third-party inspections, and ensure staff background checks. Mandatory sensitisation workshops for teachers and non-teaching staff on child protection laws can build awareness and vigilance. A dedicated grievance cell should handle complaints confidentially.

Brigadier Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

Form expert teams to inspect schools

Though the UT Administration's plan for audits is an appreciable step, there are still miles to go to ensure safety at schools. The authorities must make a workout plan with public health, civil, horticulture and electricity departments to ensure building bylaws are followed. By constituting teams to visit different schools for monitoring purpose, we can add an extra layer of security. An online portal with maintenance records will also increase accountability.

Savita Kuthiala, Chandigarh

Use modern Tech to bolster safety

Using modern technology as CCTV cameras, biometric access system, IoT-based sensors, and emergency alert apps can enhance child protection at schools. Emphasis also needs to be laid on mental health through counselling, anti-bullying programmes, and regular third-party audits to build a safe environment for students.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Parent-Teacher bodies should play a key role

Comprehensive school safety audit is needed to protect children and educational excellence. Schools are also required to provide well -lit classrooms and good quality corridors. Special and separate arrangements are needed for children with disabilities. CCTV cameras, transport and clean drinking water provisions, counselling services are the basics. Besides, Parent-Teacher Association must play an active role for the welfare of the students.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

Pay heed to digital safety

To safeguard students and strengthen institutional accountability in schools, a comprehensive safety audit must prioritise physical, emotional and digital safety. Install CCTV cameras, fire alarms, and secure entry-exit systems to ensure physical security. Regular maintenance of infrastructure is key. Foster a safe emotional environment through anti-bullying programs, counseling services and inclusive curricula. Strengthen digital safety with robust cybersecurity measures and education on online risks. Establish clear reporting mechanisms for incidents, ensuring swift, transparent action.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Impart safety training to school staff

To safeguard students, schools must adopt a multi-layered safety approach. First, infrastructure should comply with fire, earthquake and building safety norms. Secure entry and exit points with CCTV surveillance are essential to prevent unauthorized access. Staff and teachers must be sensitised through regular training on child protection laws, emergency response and first aid.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Keep repair and maintenance logs

A layered approach is essential that protects students emotionally, physically and digitally while ensuring clear accountability for the institutions. In which emphasis is given on CCTV coverage for entrances, exits, corridors and playgrounds. Regular maintenance logs for classrooms, playgrounds and laboratories. Transportation safety is another must. There should also be collaboration with local police, fire department and child protection.

Anita K Tandon, Mundi Kharar

Submit period reports to higher authorities

There should be periodical audits at all educational institutions for their structural soundness, compliance with bylaws and a report submitted to a designated authority. Attention also needs to be paid towards health and sanitation aspects. Each school must maintain first-aid kits and trained nursing staff. The condition of school busses also needs continued checks while dedicated attendants should also be a must.

SS Arora, Mohali

Hire dedicated staff to ensure safety

Dedicated staff should be hired from a reliable agency and trained properly to handle students. The students should be imparted awareness to speak up and raise their voice against anything wrong. Counselors must be appointed in all schools. CCTVs should be installed in schools and transport buses to keep vigil in and outside the schools. Moral values and inspirational stories should also be made part of the school curriculum.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Have clear-cut policy on child safety

Safeguarding students and strengthening institutional accountability in schools require a multi-pronged approach. First, clear policies on child safety, anti-bullying and harassment prevention must be established, communicated and strictly enforced. Regular training for teachers, staff, and even students on recognising and reporting unsafe situations is essential. Schools should implement transparent grievance redressal mechanisms and designate trained child protection officers to handle complaints sensitively and promptly.

HS Bhalla, Chandigarh

Need to ensure strict compliance

Strict compliance with child safety norms such as CCTV surveillance, background checks of staff, fire safety measures, and safe transportation must be ensured. Schools should conduct regular safety drills and have dedicated child protection committees. Psychological and digital safety is equally important-counsellors must be available for students to address stress, bullying, or abuse.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

Appoint external observers for audits

The authorities must ensure that the audits are performed thoroughly and the presence of external observers during the process should also be ensured. Additionally, the education department must ensure the presence of grievance redressal mechanisms. The education department must also make these audits a regular feature and monitor these reports.

Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh

Community participation is key

Excellence in education is attained when academic excellence is balanced with an ecosystem that promotes mental well-being and inclusivity. Institutional accountability-regular audits, open grievance redressal mechanisms, and community participation-guarantees that safety and excellence walk hand in hand.

Jeevan Jyoti