In a significant step to ensure student safety, the Tamil Nadu School Education Department has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to handle cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act within school premises. The move comes in response to a growing number of sexual harassment incidents reported in educational institutions.The newly issued SOP aims to safeguard students from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for a safe and secure learning environment. Among the key directives is the mandatory installation of ‘Manavar Manasu’ complaint boxes in all schools, allowing students to confidentially submit grievances, concerns, or suggestions. The school authorities are obligated to regularly monitor and address these submissions.
Upon receiving a complaint, schools are required to immediately inform the police and notify key authorities, including the principal (if not implicated), Chief Educational Officer (CEO), Child Welfare Protection Officer (CWPO), and District Child Protection Officer (DCPO). In cases where the complaint involves the principal or head of the institution, the recipient of the complaint must directly alert the CEO, CWPO, and DCPO.
Additionally, complaints can also be filed through Child Helpline 1098. The SOP mandates the DCPO to initiate an enquiry within two days, recording statements from both the child and the alleged perpetrator. The enquiry report must be submitted in a sealed cover to the CEO within two days. If the report confirms a POCSO violation, the accused must be suspended immediately, with further legal and departmental proceedings to follow. The accused will be granted one week to submit their statement as part of due process.
The SOP is a major policy push towards creating safer schools across Tamil Nadu and ensuring swift, transparent, and child-sensitive handling of abuse allegations.