Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchi issues new guidelines to protect girls in govt and aided schools

In an effort to strengthen the safety of girl students on school campuses, the School Education Department in Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu, has issued a set of mandatory guidelines for all government and aided schools across the district.

These measures are designed to foster greater awareness among students, parents, and educators about the importance of jointly building a secure and nurturing school environment that supports the comprehensive development of every child.

As per the directive, all teachers are required to complete training related to the protection of girl children and the prevention of sexual offenses within a six-month period. After this, refresher training will be conducted biannually.

Schools are also required to install CCTV cameras in various areas, including classrooms, hallways, entry points, playgrounds, and parking spaces.

Additionally, complaint boxes must be placed in locations not covered by surveillance to allow for anonymous reporting. These boxes must be checked daily.

Schools should regularly organize awareness programs about this initiative, particularly during Monday morning assemblies.

A designated teacher must be assigned to oversee these activities.

Informational banners should be displayed around the school premises, and key helpline numbers such as Childline—1098 and School Education Department—14417 should be clearly visible.

Transportation arrangements for girl students must involve only female staff.

During extracurricular activities such as sports meets, cultural functions, educational trips, and camps, only women are permitted to accompany the girls and stay with them.

The presence of female teachers is also required in science labs and libraries.

In school hostels, only authorized female wardens are allowed to supervise girl students, and no outsiders are permitted to enter.

If maintenance work is done by external workers, it must be supervised by these wardens. Cleaning of girls’ toilets should be carried out exclusively by female staff.

In co-educational schools, women must make up at least half of the faculty. In schools meant exclusively for girls, all staff should be women.

The school authorities are expected to strictly implement these rules and report any incidents involving crimes against girls to law enforcement and child protection agencies.