Govt Announces New School Safety Rules: All You Need To Know
Govt Announces New School Safety Rules: All You Need To Know
New Delhi | July 26, 2025– In a major move to strengthen the safety and well-being of school-going children and youth, the Ministry of Education has issued a directive to all States and Union Territories (UTs) to take urgent and comprehensive measures aimed at creating safer learning environments. The guidelines cover physical safety, emergency preparedness, psychosocial well-being, and accountability mechanisms.
The Ministry has made it mandatory for all schools and child-related public facilities to undergo safety audits as per national safety codes and disaster management norms. These audits must assess structural stability, fire safety systems, emergency exits, and electrical wiring, ensuring all facilities are compliant with current safety standards.
Further, the Ministry has stressed the importance of awareness and training programs. All school staff and students must be trained in emergency preparedness, including evacuation drills, first aid, and basic safety protocols. Collaboration with agencies such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), fire services, police, and healthcare providers has been encouraged to conduct regular training and mock drills.
Addressing the psychosocial well-being of students, the Ministry has directed that counselling services, peer support systems, and community engagement initiatives be institutionalized in all schools. Mental and emotional health support is now recognized as essential to student safety.
A strict reporting mechanism has also been introduced. Any incident or near-miss involving potential harm to children or youth must be reported within 24 hours to the designated State or UT authority. The Ministry warned that delays, negligence, or failure to report such events will attract strict accountability measures.
Additionally, the Ministry appealed to parents, guardians, community leaders, and local authorities to remain vigilant and report any unsafe conditions in schools, public spaces, or transportation used by children and youth. Public participation has been identified as a key pillar in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for students.
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its shared responsibility with State and UT governments to ensure that no child is endangered by preventable circumstances and called upon all Education Departments, School Boards, and affiliated institutions to implement the safety directives without delay.
