Delhi officials have announced plans to set up Child Protection Committees in all 5,633 schools in the capital by the end of July. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of students and ensure that protective measures are not confined to a specific period but become a consistent practice within educational institutions. The directive was given by Lt Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a meeting at Raj Niwas.

The school framework includes a mix of 1,077 government schools, 198 government-aided institutions, 2,612 schools run by corporations, and 1,746 private schools. An official statement highlighted the establishment of committees in all Delhi government schools and directed the formation of similar bodies in the remaining schools to be completed by the end of this month.

To facilitate monitoring of child safety cases, an additional deputy commissioner of police-rank officer will be appointed as the nodal officer in each district. This official will report directly to the DCP of the Special Police Unit for Women and Children, ensuring oversight and quick response to incidents.

Training and Awareness Initiatives for Staff and Students

As part of the safety drive, educators and school personnel will receive training on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The initiatives will encompass a comprehensive student safety checklist aligned with guidelines from national and local child protection organisations. Educational and vocational guidance counsellors are already conducting awareness sessions regarding personal safety and boundaries, including safe and unsafe touch and gender sensitisation.

The government has indicated that around 1,000 counsellors are actively engaging with students in Delhi government schools, with plans to ensure the availability of such professionals in every institution. Additionally, students will receive training in self-defence as part of their preparation to handle potential threats and unsafe situations.

Delhi Police, under the new directives, is tasked with implementing special measures for vulnerable children. This includes interventions for children in schools, parks, and sports complexes, as well as outreach to homeless and missing children. Awareness campaigns on the POCSO Act, school safety protocols, cyber safety, and prevention of bullying will be executed in tandem with school activities.

A Comprehensive Awareness Campaign on Child Safety

The Department of Women and Child Development will spearhead a mass awareness programme on the POCSO Act aimed at parents and the general public. This outreach will utilise various communication platforms, including videos, mobile awareness vans, and printed material, particularly focusing on Anganwadi-cum-Palna centres and child-care institutions.

Moreover, training and capacity building initiatives for master trainers and educators are set to be finalised throughout July. Departments involved will be required to submit compliance certificates related to the student safety checklist. Operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for addressing POCSO cases in schools are also being mandated, alongside the formation of joint inspection teams involving parents and relevant officials.

To achieve effective coordination, a large-scale awareness campaign will be organised through parent-teacher meetings and various media channels. The police have been instructed to ensure prompt and coordinated efforts in all POCSO cases, with a focus on counselling and rehabilitation for first-time juvenile offenders.

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