Delhi LG Orders Comprehensive POCSO Audit of Schools
New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has mandated a thorough audit of all schools in the capital to evaluate their compliance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Institutions found lacking will face stringent action. Additionally, he directed the Delhi Police to increase visible deployment around schools and student congregation points, particularly during dispersal hours, to bolster safety.
Review Meeting Highlights
The directives were issued during a review meeting attended by the Commissioner of Police, the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and the Director of Education. The LG emphasized the need for a detailed assessment of whether schools are adhering to mandatory safeguards under the POCSO Act.
Under the guidelines, schools must establish child protection mechanisms, form Child Protection Committees, train staff, conduct awareness programs, and set up systems for reporting abuse. Sandhu instructed the education department to ensure strict compliance and initiate firm action against violators. He also requested a comprehensive report on actions taken or planned against non-compliant institutions.
Strengthening Child Protection
To enhance safeguards, the LG directed that every school must have a functional Child Protection Committee that meets regularly and monitors the school environment for early identification and resolution of safety concerns. He further mandated that July be observed as ‘Child Protection Month’, featuring a citywide awareness and training campaign targeting students, teachers, school administrators, and parents. A detailed report on the campaign’s implementation and outcomes has also been requested.
Law and Order Measures
On the law and order front, the Delhi Police has been instructed to ensure visible deployment around school premises and major student congregation points. The LG stressed a zero-tolerance policy towards eve-teasing, harassment, and molestation, emphasizing that the safety and dignity of women and children are non-negotiable.
“The LG has expressed hope that the proposed all-women police stations, meant to exclusively handle crimes against women and children, would strengthen implementation of the POCSO Act,” an official stated.
