• Jawahar Vidya Mandir (JVM), Shyamali, has decided to put up three drop boxes on its campus by Wednesday to help students register their grievances in a strictly confidential manner. The keys will remain with the principal to prevent rigging
• The regional director of DAV Group has directed all schools in Ranchi zone to keenly observe the behaviour of teaching and non-teaching staff, besides monitoring surveillance cameras without fail
• DPS is advocating psychiatrist on interview panels of every cradle
Appalled by the grisly death of Class VII boy Binay Kumar Mahto at Sapphire International School in Hardag, cradles across the capital are brainstorming on ways to make their campuses safer for students, realising that no measure can be deemed enough in these treacherous times.
State education minister Neera Yadav too has directed her officials to convene meetings with the Jharkhand Education Tribunal (JET) and other stakeholders to evolve regulations for foolproof safety on school campuses.
Most reputable institutions in Ranchi, including the now-tainted premises of Binay's alma mater, boast CCTV cameras and private security guards. Some also have SMS facility to keep parents updated on campus proceedings. But, chinks in the touted security armour get exposed only when tragedy strikes.
The Sapphire International management had insisted on foolproof surveillance on its 40-acre campus until investigators found a low-resolution smartphone camera keeping vigil right above the teachers' hostel front porch where 12-year-old Binay was found lifeless and battered early on February 5.
JVM-Shyamali principal A.K. Singh said the drop boxes, once installed, would entertain both complaints and suggestions. "I will keep the keys and review grievances/suggestions either daily or at least once in two days. Identity of complainants will remain confidential and genuine cases will see instant action."
Singh maintained that they had also guarded off the classroom area from the adjoining school bus bays so that no unwanted person could sneak into the student campus. "A gate to demarcate the study area was always on radar, but the incident (at Sapphire International) expedited construction. It is better to be safe (than sorry)," he added.
DAV regional director T.P. Pati conceded that all teachers and non-teaching employees in the group's schools would be subjected to conduct review. "The objective is to pick up threat signals. Depression can stalk both students and teachers. We are mulling routine counselling for teachers as well."
It may be mentioned here that investigations into Binay's death led police to the room of Sapphire International art teacher Durbanand Jana who had "FAIL" scribbled on pieces of paper on the walls. Jana, apparently the first to spot the boy in a pool of blood, has been under detention since February 6.
Apart from behaviour watch, DAV schools will focus further on background check and character certificates of new appointees. On whether police verification would be sought, Pati said that might not always be practically possible for schools.
Principal of DPS-Ranchi Ram Singh - also the president of Sahodaya, an umbrella outfit of all CBSE schools, including Sapphire International - stressed on barring entry of outsiders on campuses.
"All schools must review if their CCTV cameras are functioning properly. To have a psychiatrist in interview panels can help understand if a new teacher/staff is good for the job. Some schools do have such experts, but the measure should be adopted by all," he said.
What other steps must be taken for student safety on campus? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com
