Panchkula government schools fail to learn from Peshawar massacre
Government schools in the district have not strengthened the security measures on campus despite the recent Peshawar massacre. The schools have not even deployed security guards at their gates. Even Government Model School, which is located next the district education office, does not have any security guards.
Panchkula: Government schools in the district have not strengthened the security measures on campus despite the recent Peshawar massacre.
The schools have not even deployed security guards at their gates.
The terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of over 140 children in an army school in Pakistan, seems to have left no impact on the officials of the education department in Panchkula, as they have failed to issue directions regarding the safety measures for students and staff members.
Even Government Model School, which is located next the district education office, does not have any security guards.
District education officer (DEO) Savitri Sihag said she was yet to receive directions from the department.
She said: “We always work for the betterment of our students and are bothered about their safety. Government schools in the city never had guards at the gates. Moreover, no circular was issued by the state education department regarding the safety measures to be adopted in schools.”
She added: “We have not been asked to install CCTV cameras or create three entry and exit points. If we receive instructions, we will not delay the process.” In Panchkula, many government school buildings are in a sorry state with several walls containing cracks.
Recently, the wall of a Sector-7 government school in Panchkula collapsed.
Parents also want authorities to implement safety measures.
“It is really frightening to realise the fact that there is no one to stop a visitor from entering the school. This jeopardises the safety of children. The Panchkula education department should ensure that children remain safe so as to avoid such incidents,” said Kavita Arora, a resident of Sector 4, Panchkula.
However, Chandigarh schools have already received instructions in this regard.
They were asked to create three entry and exit points on their campuses and deploy at least three guards at each gate. Moreover, the police have been coordinating with schools in Chandigarh on this issue.