Shimla
A meeting was held at the Bachat Bhawan chaired by Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap, to further strengthen student safety in government and private schools across Shimla. The meeting discussed in detail school security, prevention of potential threats, regular security checks, and prompt response in case of emergencies.
Principals/representatives from 28 government and private schools in Shimla city were invited to the meeting. Schools were reminded twice to attend. However, several private school principals did not attend the meeting in person, and some sent teachers in place of their principals. The Deputy Commissioner expressed concern over this, stating that serious involvement of school management is essential on this important issue involving the safety of children.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that school managements must understand their responsibility for the safety of children and fulfill it with utmost seriousness. He directed that every school management must provide a daily certificate to the district police stating that the school premises have been security checked and that the school is safe. Regular security checks before school starts and after school closes will be mandatory.
He said that in the future, if any rumors or information regarding security concerns are received from any school, the police will also investigate whether the school management issued a security certificate for that day. He also directed regular monitoring of the duties of security personnel deployed in schools.
Instructions to ensure effective compliance of SOP
The meeting discussed various provisions of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) prepared by the district administration regarding school safety and addressing security threats . The Deputy Commissioner directed all government, private, government-aided, and residential schools to ensure effective compliance with the SOP.
He directed the school campuses to ensure boundary walls/fencing, controlled entry and exit, visitor registers, security guards, and CCTV surveillance at sensitive locations . He also directed special attention to the necessary verification of school staff, security personnel, school bus drivers, construction workers, and other outside personnel.
Important issues like verification of school vehicles and drivers, power backup for CCTV system, drone surveillance as per requirement in sensitive areas, monitoring of ongoing construction work in school premises and verification of workers were also discussed in the meeting.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the effective implementation of regular security inspections and monthly security audits in schools, and the appointment of nodal officers for security-related responsibilities in each school. He also urged the active implementation of school safety committees.
If you see a drone over the school premises, immediately inform the police.
At the meeting, Additional Superintendent of Police Gaurav Jeet Singh stated that if any suspicious person, vehicle, or object is discovered, school management should immediately inform the police and administration without risking their own safety. He also stated that if any drone is seen flying over the school premises, the police should be informed immediately.
He stressed on ensuring that every person entering the school is checked by the school security personnel and immediate action is taken in case of any suspicious activity.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that any potential security threat should not be taken lightly. Upon receiving credible information, immediate preventive and necessary action should be taken. He emphasized that the safety of children is a top priority and that any laxity in this regard will not be tolerated.
Schools invited to the meeting
Loreto Convent Tara Hall, Convent of Jesus and Mary Navbahar, Sacred Heart Convent Dhalli, JCB Senior Secondary School Sector-3 New Shimla, St. Edwards School Himland, Saraswati Vidya Mandir Him Rashmi Campus Vikasnagar, Chapslee School, Bishop Cotton School, DAV Lakkar Bazaar, DAV New Shimla, Laureate Public School Bharari, Ivy International School Kamla Nagar, Saraswati Paradise International School Sanjauli, St. Thomas School Artrack Shimla, Monal Public Senior Secondary School Sanjauli, Shishu Shiksha Niketan Tutu, SD Senior Secondary School Shimla, Crescent Senior Secondary School Tutu, Saraswati Vidya Mandir Vikasnagar, Shimla Public School Khalini, Dayanand Public School The Mall, Sanjay Gandhi Public Senior Secondary School New Shimla, City Public School Kamla Nagar, Ganga Public School Khalini, Auckland House School Boys, Auckland House School Girls, Maya Public School and DAV Mahatma Anand Swami Pub
