Practice safety: Cops to schools

Eight-year-old Viraj Parmar’s death after he stuck his head out of a school bus and hit it against a precariously hanging advertising board has turned the spotlight on a circular issued a couple of years ago by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) on basic security measures to be followed at every school.

The circular, which had been gathering dust until recently, lays down the rules for students’ safety, among others, that schools should follow to a tee. Police sources said it was sent to CBSE and ICSE boards, the ministry of human resource and development, state governments and the director generals of police.

But despite the MHA’s directive, several city schools have reportedly been sloppy in implementing these safety measures. Viraj Parmar’s death, in fact, opened a Pandora ‘s Box — the licence of the driver of the bus involved in the accident had expired and there were eight other violations of the norms of the school bus policy.

Schools have now been ordered to get their act together. The city police have sent out a communication on safety measures to be followed, which include preparations against terrorist attacks.

They have also identified A-grade schools in the city. Based on their basic security audit, advisories have been issued to about 40 schools, 35 of which have already sent their feedback.

The security measures will be reviewed by the police every six months. Senior officials will be apprised of those schools that do not measure up, said Madhukar Pandey, additional commissioner of police, protection and security.