New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has ordered a comprehensive audit of schools across the capital to assess compliance with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, directing strict action against institutions found lacking. He also asked Delhi Police to step up deployment around schools and student hubs, especially during dispersal hours, to enhance safety.The directions were issued during a review meeting attended by the commissioner of police, secretary of the women and child development department and the director of education. The LG sought a detailed assessment of whether schools are adhering to mandatory safeguards under the POCSO Act.Under the guidelines, schools are required to maintain child protection mechanisms, set up Child Protection Committees, train staff, conduct awareness programmes and establish systems to report abuse.Sandhu directed the education department to ensure strict compliance and initiate firm action against defaulters. He also sought a detailed report on action taken or planned against institutions found violating norms.To strengthen safeguards, the LG directed that every school must have a functional Child Protection Committee that meets regularly and monitors the school environment for early identification and resolution of safety concerns.He further asked authorities to observe July as ‘Child Protection Month’, with a citywide awareness and training campaign targeting students, teachers, school administrators and parents. A comprehensive report on the campaign’s implementation and outcomes has also been sought.On the law and order front, Delhi Police has been directed to ensure visible deployment around school premises and major student congregation points.The LG emphasised a zero-tolerance approach towards eve-teasing, harassment and molestation, stressing that the safety and dignity of women and children are non-negotiable.“LG has expressed hope that the proposed all-women police stations, meant to exclusively handle crimes against women and children, would strengthen implementation of the POCSO Act,” an official said.
