Gupta Orders Action on School Safety

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday ordered strict action against schools and childcare facilities found compromising children's safety. The directive follows the sealing of a private daycare and playschool in Jafrabad after allegations of abuse involving a three-year-old child.

An inspection by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office in Yamuna Vihar uncovered multiple regulatory and fire-safety violations at the facility. According to the SDM's inspection report dated August 31, the centre lacked a fire safety certificate, a sanctioned building plan, and an occupancy certificate. The emergency exit and staircases were blocked, and its only fire extinguisher was non-functional.

The inspection found further problems. A borewell had been installed without permission, rooms had inadequate air ventilation, and the basement was being used for classes in violation of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. The school was operating from a residential property for commercial activity and had a kitchen on the first floor using domestic LPG cylinders. With violations confirmed and no satisfactory replies from the school's director, officials sealed the premises.

Accountability for School Managements

Chief Minister Gupta stated that inhumane treatment of children would not be tolerated. She emphasized that school managements would be held accountable wherever negligence is established. This action comes amid several recent incidents involving children in schools, daycare centres, and school transport.

Gupta expressed concern over the alleged sexual abuse of a three-year-old nursery student in Bawana. She questioned the accountability of the school management regarding the alleged involvement of a school bus driver. The government is now examining measures to strengthen verification and monitoring of school transport staff.

In a separate case, the chief minister expressed grief over the rape of a 16-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh in a moving bus in Delhi-NCR. The government plans to hold discussions with neighbouring states on strengthening safety mechanisms for interstate buses. One proposal is to link the GPS systems of buses from other states with the relevant Delhi government system to facilitate monitoring and quicker intervention.

Medical Rooms for Government Schools

Alongside enforcement, the government announced a new initiative to improve student healthcare. Dedicated medical rooms will be introduced initially in 100 government schools as a pilot project. The plan is to subsequently expand the program in phases to cover 1,086 schools.

The government has allocated ₹5 crore in the 2026-27 Budget Estimates for this pilot. To keep costs low, the initiative will use existing school infrastructure. Trained health workers in these rooms will provide first aid, basic health support, temporary rest, and counselling. They will also assist with health-awareness activities and maintain records.

A key function of the medical rooms will be to provide girl students with a safe and private space during menstrual discomfort. According to the government, this initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It is intended to create a safer and more health-supportive school environment while minimising disruption to education.