Mangaluru: The department of school education and literacy has directed all schools and colleges to strengthen safety arrangements for students during national festivals, government programmes, and cultural or administrative events, stressing the need to prevent accidents and ensure prompt emergency response.In a circular issued on Friday, Shubhamangala RV, special officer and ex-officio undersecretary to the government (planning), department of school education and literacy, directed school heads and teachers to strictly follow National Commission for Protection of Child Rights guidelines and take concrete steps to ensure children’s safety before, during and after events. School administrations, managements and committees have been asked to anticipate unforeseen incidents, put preventive measures in place and respond swiftly to any mishap to prevent panic or disruption. The circular outlines nearly 13 specific safety measures.Key measures include ensuring that flagpoles are installed at a safe distance from electrical lines and that no wires obstruct flag hoisting. Children are strictly prohibited from raising or lowering flags or climbing flagpoles under any circumstances, including when a flag gets stuck. Schools and colleges have been directed to thoroughly inspect venues used for drills, marches and cultural programmes to ensure they are safe for student movement and seating. All electrical installations at event sites must be properly secured and kept out of reach of children and the public, while water leakage or flow near electrical wiring must be strictly prevented.Transport safety has been given special emphasis for events and competitions. Institutions must ensure the fitness of vehicles, enforce speed limits, verify that drivers are not under the influence of intoxicants and strictly avoid carrying students beyond the permitted capacity.The department has also mandated strict food and water safety checks. Organisers must ensure the cleanliness and quality of drinking water, beverages and food before distribution. Children must be restricted from entering cooking and food preparation areas, and gas cylinders and stoves must be regularly inspected to minimise fire hazards.Traffic and crowd management measures include installing clear parking signage and arranging parking facilities at least 100m away from event venues. Schools have been asked to conduct awareness sessions to educate students on precautionary steps during unforeseen situations, and to provide emergency response training to senior students and teachers.The directives further call for the involvement of SDMC and in-charge committee members in event planning, with local administrations directed to accord top priority to child safety. Organisers have also been instructed to inform local police, medical services, fire departments and administrative officials in advance about programmes involving children, to ensure emergency services are prepared to respond promptly if required.
