Headmasters visiting private aided institutions to check if four mandated committees are functioning, among other things; experts say this isn’t enough
Education inspectors have reached out to select principals in their respective zones to visit some schools. Representation pic/iStock
In the wake of incidents where the safety of students was compromised in the city, principals of Mumbai’s private aided schools have been tasked with inspecting neighbouring schools to ensure procedures are being followed. In the North division of Mumbai, inspections began on August 1, and all schools were asked to fill out inspection forms with updated data.
“Largely, the schools are to ensure that the four mandated committees — School Management Committee, Sakhi Savitri Committee, Women's Grievance Redressal Committee, and Vidyarthi Suraksha or the Student Safety & Physical Facilities Development Committee — are functioning properly,” said the principal of a school in the North Division.
The form contains questions about the presence of POCSO committees, regular inspection of complaint boxes, presence of security guards, proper fencing, trained counsellors, CCTVs, self-defence programmes, and background checks on staff members, and whether student attendance is being taken thrice a day, a principal told mid-day.
Dr Swati Popat Vats, educationist
The inspections have already picked up pace, since a group of headmasters have been appointed to visit two to three neighbouring schools. “Education inspectors have reached out to select principals in their respective zones and asked us to visit two to three schools. I observed that a few schools had committees on paper, but they were barely functional. Some didn’t have access to their complaint boxes. However, they took our feedback and are on their way to adopting all the necessary changes,” said a principal who inspected schools in the South Division.
Expert views
While the inspection seeks to ensure measures are in place, experts believe that more needs to be done when it comes to protecting the interests of the children. “Ideally, the government should appoint non-profit organisations to ensure proper implementation of measures. A neighbouring school principal may not be the best person to give suggestions,” said educationist Dr Swati Popat Vats.
“Moreover, we only talk about systems of CCTVs and committees to tick off a list. But that’s not going to stop the problems from coming our way. This is why it’s important to understand the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic safety. Current inspections assure extrinsic safety, but intrinsic safety helps a student and school build a proper ethical and moral framework — that works even when no one is looking. Risk assessment, parent partnership, functional committees, and transparency are all the need of the hour,” she added
Agreeing with the sentiment, psychiatrist Dr Dayal Mirchandani said, “These measures certainly help, but the education of students, teachers, and even onlookers needs to be brought about. Proper education helps a student recognise that something wrong is happening with them.”
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