Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Wednesday said that the state government has instructed all schools to prioritize the safety of students.
Addressing the media, Sangma highlighted that most school buses in the state are now equipped with tracking systems. However, he acknowledged that there are still rare incidents and urged school management, principals, and guardians to ensure that student safety remains the top priority.
“We have already instructed all the school management that safety is priority. There are so many school buses running in the city, and most of the school buses have tracking devices. Of course, there are some exceptional cases that happen, which are very unfortunate, and this should not happen,” the minister said.
He further urged all sectors of society to take an active role in shaping children’s safety and well-being. “As a parent, as a church, as community leaders, and as an institution, we should educate our children. The use of mobile disrupts the minds of children. Yes, technology has made life easier, but there are other problems that affect students,” Sangma added.
It is worth noting that in 2023 alone, 512 cases of various crimes against children were recorded in Meghalaya.
In line with national efforts to improve child protection, the Ministry of Education recently called upon all states and union territories to implement the “Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021.” These guidelines are aligned with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and aim to hold school management accountable across all types of schools. Key components include preventive education, reporting procedures, legal provisions, support services, and the promotion of a safe learning environment.