Psychometric evaluation
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked all schools affiliated to it to put all their employees through a psychometric evaluation test.
The circular, which came in the wake of the brutal murder of a 7- year-old student at Ryan Intertiol, Noida, stated that schools must get police verification and psychometric evaluation done for all the employees. Such verification and evaluation for non-teaching staff such as bus drivers, conductors and other support staff may be done very carefully and in a detailed manner.
The board further said that any violation or lapse with regards to the safety and well-being of children on the school campus would invite appropriate action, including dis-affiliation of the school as per provisions under affiliation by-laws of the board.
Asking schools to follow the safety guidelines issued by the CBSE from time to time, the circular insisted on schools for making its employees aware about laws related to safety, security and interests of students. Staff members should also be educated to recognize their protective obligation towards students in order to ensure safety and well-being of children in schools.
The safety and security guidelines issued by the CBSE for all schools are highly praiseworthy. We hope that a child will be able to study in an environment where he or she feels safe and is free from any form of physical or emotiol abuse or harassment.
Satish Kumar Sarma,
Kalyanpur,
Biswath Chariali.