Guwahati: The Assam Education Department has issued a set of special guidelines for schools across the state, concerning security, sanitation, academic discipline and the safety and privacy of students, following recent school visits by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The advisory will come into effect 1st October.
Under the new guidelines, schools have been directed to close their main gates before the morning prayer begins. Entry to school premises will also be restricted, with outsiders required to obtain prior permission before entering the campus.
The department has further instructed schools to ensure that photographs or videos are not taken inside school premises while classes or other school activities are underway without authorisation. The measure is aimed at protecting the safety and rights of students.
Schools have also been advised to take necessary steps to prevent any unwanted or untoward situation from arising within the campus and to maintain a proper academic environment.
The advisory places particular emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene. Schools have been directed to keep toilets and urinals clean, hygienic and properly maintained, while ensuring overall cleanliness across the campus.
However, parents, members of the School Management Committee (SMC), and concerned Education Department officers and staff will continue to be permitted to enter school premises for relevant purposes.
The latest directives follow the recent ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), during which its members visited government schools to assess infrastructure and basic facilities.
A CJP team led by co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka had recently visited government schools in the Palashbari and Dispur areas and raised concerns over infrastructure and the availability of basic facilities at some institutions.
The school visits came days after Ranka and several CJP leaders and volunteers were detained by Assam Police in Guwahati ahead of a planned regional volunteer’s meet-up. They were subsequently released.
The CJP has said its school campaign is intended to highlight gaps in government school infrastructure and press for improvements in facilities.
The Education Department’s new advisory is expected to be implemented across schools from tomorrow, with the focus on creating a more regulated, safe and disciplined school environment.