CBSE directs schools to ensure psychometric tests of all staff

Bhubaneswar/Bhopal: In the wake of the brutal child murder at Ryan International School in Gurugram, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Wednesday ordered complete psychometric evaluation for all staff of schools affiliated to the board.

In a circular on 'safety of children' to affiliated schools, the board directed the authorities to complete the pshychometric evaluation of engaged teachers, non-teaching employees, sweepers, bus drivers and conductors within two months.

"It is the fundamental right of a child to engage and study in an environment where he/she feels safe and is free from any form of physical or emotional abuse or harassment," the directive issued by the board said.

The move is aimed at promoting better understanding and cooperation among teachers and other staff on laws protesting safety, security and welfare of students.

Board Deputy secretary (affiliation) Jaiprakash Chaturvedi said the guidelines require schools to take ‘immediate remedial and punitive action’ against the erring teachers.

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In the circular, the school authorities have been asked to audit the security /safety of their premises by the respective local police station, employ support staff from authorized agencies and control access of outsiders into school premises, monitor all sensitive areas by installing CCTV cameras at the spots, constitute a parent-teacher-students committee to address the safety needs of the students and take regular feedback from parents in this regard.

Separate committees for redressal of parents/students/staff grievances will also have to be constituted and their details be displayed on school websites for information of all stakeholders.

Any violation of the guidelines by the MHRD or the board shall invite appropriate action including the disaffiliation of the school as per the provisions under Affiliation Bye-Laws of the Board, the circular read.