Existing gaps need to filled on priority basis to ensure safety & security of children, says CCPCR Chairperson

Chandigarh : As per the directions received from the Secretary, Department of Social Welfare and Women & Child Development-Chandigarh, in view of the misfortunate incident that happened in Mount Carmel School, Sector-9, Chandigarh on 08.07.2022 resulting demise of one student and several injured students, Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights held a meeting on 11.07.2022 with all the concerned departments such as Education Department, Engineering Department, Health Department, Forest Department.
Municipal Corporation. Police Department, Department of Social Welfare and District Child Protection Unit, etc. to take immediate strict steps to ensure the safety and security of children in all aspects.
At the outset, the Checklist is discussed and circulated to all to know the ground reality of each institution along with the implementation of prescribed guidelines issued by the Administration from time to time.
The focus is to have a Comprehensive Model of Safety for school children on the two basic and major concepts of safety i.e. prevention of mishappening and mitigation of the incident. For this, all schools must have a periodic safety audit.
At the same time the problem of unfinished construction works, repair & renovation and unsafe declared buildings along with Child Care Institution, Anganwadi and Crèches was highlighted. Fire safety, Electric Safety, and uncovered sewerage main holes, un-maintained play areas are also hazardous for the safety of children.
The departments are directed to submit the report on the checklist before the next meeting to be held on 14.07.2022 and instructions have been passed to the concerned departments to nominate a Nodal Officer to meet out the grievances immediately under intimation to the Commission.