Srinagar: In response to growing concerns about child safety in schools, the National Child Development Council (NCDC) held an important committee meeting to address urgent safety gaps in educational institutions across India.
The discussion followed a recent tragic event where a child died from an electric shock at a school in Kerala, an accident that could have been prevented.
Key Concerns and Recommendations
Committee members unanimously called for active safety measures. They stressed that protecting children should apply not only to school interiors but also to all educational institutions, including kindergartens and anganwadis.
“This is not just about one accident. We are seeing a pattern of neglect, from electric shocks to building collapses and slow emergency responses,” a member stated.
Infrastructure and Maintenance
Several speakers pointed out the poor condition of school infrastructure, especially in government-run schools, where buildings often lack maintenance and use low-quality materials. Recent cases of building collapses, like the tragedy in Rajasthan that claimed eight children’s lives, served as troubling examples of systemic failures.
Members insisted on regular safety audits, timely inspections, and accountability from government departments, including water and electricity boards.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Another significant concern was the lack of basic emergency readiness. In the electric shock case, delays in medical response played a crucial role in the child’s death. Members suggested that each school should have emergency contacts, ambulances, first aid kits, and trained staff on hand.
Furthermore, the council recommended including first aid and emergency response training in the school curriculum starting from Class 5, enabling students to act quickly in emergencies.
“Children should be taught not only what to learn but also how to survive,” emphasized one committee member.
Child Safety Beyond Physical Infrastructure
The committee also highlighted the importance of psychological safety, addressing issues like bullying, mental health, and playground supervision. Teachers should conduct regular drills for fire, smoke, and earthquakes, maintain CCTV monitoring, and ensure safe access to and from school.
Some suggested implementing international best practices, such as visitor registration at entrances and digital surveillance on campuses.
Parental Involvement and Transparency
There was a strong agreement that parents should receive regular updates on school safety inspections. The council noted that transparency would improve accountability and allow parents to take an active role in protecting their children’s learning environment.
“When schools are open with parents, the whole community becomes alert and responsive,” another speaker remarked.
A Wake-Up Call for Authorities
The meeting ended with a unified call to the government: prioritize school safety as a national concern.
“These aren’t isolated cases; they reflect systemic neglect. Without prompt, structural reform, we are placing millions of children at daily risk,” said Baba Alexander, Master Trainer of National Child Development Council.
