Context: Recently, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) released a report titled “National Report on Safe and Secure School Environment” in which it highlighting the safety and security of children in schools in terms different indicators.

• The school survey was based across 12 states to examine the safety and security of children in schools in terms different indicators.

Key highlights of the report
Infrastructure

• 22 % of schools are operating from old or dilapidated buildings.
• 31 % schools reported cracks in structures.
• 19% of the schools were located near rail tracks, whereas only 1% has speed breakers with zebra crossing sign for safety and security of children.
• Only 74 % schools have in-built water facilities in toilets and in the rest students have to carry water from outside. This is an alarming situation. It puts student’s health and physical safety at risk.

Electricity & Fire safety 

• Out of the total schools with electricity, 77 % had a proper working electrical fitment in classrooms
• One of the safety concerns emerged from the survey is in 22 % schools, high voltage wires/transformers within or adjacent to the school premises pose a safety challenge.
• On fire safety in schools, 63 % schools have fire extinguisher and 43 % have emergency steps in place in the school to meet any fire emergency. This shows that the preparedness of schools against fire safety is weak and needs to be worked on.

Cyber Safety

• Of the 55 % of schools where they have computer rooms, only 44 % schools have security systems in place to restrict internet and 42 % have blocked access to social media use by students.

Bullying & Child abuse

• Discouragement and prohibition of all kinds of bullying was being observed at 90 % schools.
• Only 60 % schools have platform for children to discuss and share their concerns related to safety and protection.
• 68 % schools said that they have to make a clearly laid out procedure in case of child abuse.

Transportation

• Transportation facility is available in 28 % schools, 30 % of them are government schools and 70 % are private schools.
• On safety of a child when the child is in the transport bus, only 18 % have any teacher and attendant with students on buses.

Mid-day meals

• Only 57 % of children are satisfied with the quality of food.
• As per U-DISE data, 81 % of the schools in the states covered in this report provide mid-day meals. However, only 56 % of those 81 % is providing food as per the prescribed menu (less nutritious food).
• U-DISE (Unified District Information System for Education) is a database about schools in India. It was developed at the Department of School Education, MHRD. It records information such as the level of dropouts and the condition of school toilets.
• Only 57 % of children are satisfied with the quality of food. There have been cases where the food was not even fit for consumption and children have been sick. They are not even being provided food in the required quantity.

Disabled friendly provisions

• Only 49 % schools have disabled-friendly toilets.
• 40 % schools had facilities like classrooms, play areas, toilets accessible by wheelchair.
• 61% of schools have obstruction free corridors and staircases. This could impose a serious threat to safety of children in rest of the schools.
• Only 32 % of schools have provision for blind students.

About National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

• It was set up in 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
• It is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
• The Commission’s Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes etc. are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years’ age group.
• Members: Chairperson and Six members, out of which at least two are woman appointed by the Central Government from amongst person of eminence, ability and experience.

Functions and powers of the NCPCR

• Inquire into violation of child rights and recommend initiation of proceedings in such cases.
• Examine all factors that inhibit the enjoyment of rights of children affected by terrorism, communal violence, riots, natural disaster, domestic violence etc.
• Look into the matters relating to the children in need of special care and protection including children in distress, marginalized and disadvantaged children etc.
• Under the RTE Act, 2009, NCPCR can inquire into complaints about violation of the law and can summon an individual, demand evidence, seek a magisterial enquiry as well as file a writ petition in the High Court/Supreme Court. 
• It can also approach the government concerned for the prosecution of the offender and recommend interim relief to those affected.