The rule that parents would not be let inside schools without ID cards has just remained on paper with no authority taking up the responsibility to ensure that it is implemented. With the new academic year having begun, parents have expressed concern over it.
A circular was issued to all the schools in the city by Department of Public Instruction on January 23, 2014, which stated: “School managements should take adequate measures to ensure that children leave the school only with their parents or relatives who have authorised identity cards.” Similarly, city police had issued child safety guidelines under the provisions of the Karnataka Police Act. According to the Act, schools which do not implement the guidelines can be prosecuted under the IPC section 188.
Mamatha N, parent of a girl child studying in class seven, told Deccan Herald that ID cards have not been issued in her daughter’s school. But the authorities have made sure that no unknown person enters the campus. They need to implement a few more measures such as noting down the personal details of people who enter school premises in order to be termed completely safe.”
K S Kamlakar, a parent from Nagarbhavi said: “We have not been given any ID cards as such. There are CCTV cameras installed in the school. But, background check of staff as mandated by the police needs to be done before recruiting employees.”
Even as a handful of schools have issued ID cards, it has failed to serve the purpose as there is none checking them. Another parent, Minathi Sahu of Basveshwarnagar said: “We have received ID cards which have required information. But, sometimes no one checks the card.”
A few schools have gone that extra mile to ensure child’s safety. Dr Leema Mol Mathew, a parent of two girls said: “They have issued ID cards to parents. Unless they show the card, child will not be sent with them. CCTV cameras are installed.
Each school bus has a lady helper. Without giving personal details, no one can enter the school premises. Hence I am happy with the measures taken by the school to ensure child’s safety.”