Empowering Student Safety: School Education Dept. Urges Action to Form Student Safeguarding Advisory Committees
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has issued a directive to the School Education Department of Tamil Nadu, mandating the establishment of Student Safeguarding Advisory Committees in schools across the state. This decision emerged from a public interest litigation filed by G. Shabna from Theni district, who highlighted the necessity for these committees to protect students and foster awareness regarding safeguarding measures.
In her petition, Shabna underscored the importance of the committees and called for the department to not only form these committees but also ensure that students are educated about their purpose. Additionally, she urged that both teaching and non-teaching staff undergo a mandatory annual orientation focused on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The petitioner’s counsel referenced a government order from 2021, which outlined guidelines aimed at shielding students from sexual harassment. These guiding principles are intended to enhance overall student safety and create a supportive environment within educational institutions.
The State Government reported progress, noting the reconstitution of Student Safeguarding Advisory Committees in over 11,820 government schools located in jurisdictions like Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Kallakurichi, Krishnagiri, Madurai, Mayiladuthurai, Theni, Tiruppatur, Tiruppur, and Sivaganga. During the 2023-2024 academic year, these schools conducted 42,126 meetings, with an uptick to 42,194 meetings scheduled for the 2024-2025 period.
Further emphasizing their commitment to educational safety, the State confirmed that in 2023-2024, approximately 68,245 teachers and 46,281 staff completed annual orientation training on the POCSO Act across these schools. This initiative expanded in 2024-2025, involving 70,105 teachers and 49,974 staff members.
Despite the positive developments, Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete of the Division Bench noted the inconsistency in the establishment of these committees, pointing out that some areas remain without them. The court mandated the authorities to gather data on the districts yet to form these committees and take swift action to comply with the directives of the 2021 government order. The court has also scheduled a follow-up to assess compliance for August 5.
This ruling underscores a significant step towards enhancing the safety and wellbeing of students in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the urgent need for consistent implementation of protective measures in educational settings. As these committees continue to be established, the emphasis remains on educating both staff and students about their roles in ensuring a secure learning environment. The ongoing efforts to promote child safety will likely create a ripple effect, fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance in schools statewide.
The developments in this matter reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of students, establishing a foundation for improvement across the educational landscape in Tamil Nadu.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/school-education-dept-told-to-ensure-forming-of-student-safeguarding-advisory-committees/article69701170.ece
Category : Madurai
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Publish Date: 2025-06-16 20:23:00
