West Bengal schools get 17-point safety advisory after snakebite incidents

The West Bengal School Education Department has directed all schools to strengthen safety, security and child-welfare measures following recent reports of snake and reptile bites and other safety-related incidents on school premises. The advisory requires schools to conduct safety inspections, monitor vulnerable areas and maintain emergency response systems.

The Commissioner of School Education, West Bengal , Nikhil Nirmal, issued the advisory and sent it to District Inspectors of Schools (Primary and Secondary) across the state. It covers government, government-sponsored/aided and private unaided schools.

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West Bengal School Safety Advisory: 17 points

Under the directions, schools have been asked to immediately inspect their campuses and identify potential hazards and vulnerable locations. The inspection should cover classrooms, toilets, staircases, corridors, playgrounds, gardens, drains, waterlogged and isolated areas, boundary areas, kitchens, storage spaces and construction or maintenance zones. Any deficiencies identified during the inspection are to be rectified promptly.

The West Bengal School Education Department's advisory lists the following 17 measures for schools:

1. Comprehensive safety inspection/audit – Schools must immediately inspect the entire campus and identify potential hazards and vulnerable locations.
2. Prevention of snake/reptile intrusion – Schools must take measures to prevent snakes, reptiles and other pests from entering or inhabiting the campus.
3. Removal of debris, waste and potential shelter – Construction debris, garbage, unused materials, dense vegetation and other potential shelters for snakes, rodents and pests must be removed.
4. Daily monitoring of vulnerable areas – Schools must regularly inspect areas such as toilets, gardens, drains, storage spaces, playgrounds, boundary areas and MDM dining halls.
5. Pest, rodent and reptile control – Regular pest and rodent control measures must be undertaken through authorised agencies or personnel.
6. Emergency response protocol/SOP – Every school must have a written emergency response protocol covering snakebites, injuries, medical emergencies, fire and accidents.
7. Immediate medical attention – Students reporting a bite, injury, pain, discomfort or unusual health condition must receive immediate medical attention.
8. Parent/guardian intimation – Parents or guardians must be informed at the earliest possible opportunity in cases involving serious injuries, suspected snake or reptile bites or other significant threats.
9. CCTV, surveillance and preservation of records – CCTV cameras in permissible common areas must remain functional, and relevant footage concerning reported incidents must be preserved as required.
10. Training, sensitisation and awareness – Teaching, non-teaching, security and housekeeping staff must receive periodic training on child safety, first aid and emergency response.
11. Incident and complaint register – Schools must maintain a dedicated register for significant injuries, medical emergencies and safety-related incidents and complaints.
12. Child-safety monitoring and well-being – School heads or management must periodically review safety arrangements and ensure that deficiencies are rectified without delay.
13. Reporting of serious incidents and major safety complaints – Major incidents involving serious injury, suspected snakebite or threats to student safety must be reported to the concerned District Inspector of Schools.
14. Grievance redressal and accessibility – Schools must have a clearly identified mechanism for students and parents to raise safety, security and child-welfare concerns.
15. Safety of outsourced personnel and service providers – Security, housekeeping, MDM, gardening, pest-control and other outsourced personnel must be briefed about school safety protocols and their responsibilities.
16. Statutory and other safety compliance – Schools must comply with applicable safety requirements relating to fire, buildings, electricity, sanitation, drinking water, hygiene, transport and student well-being.
17. Preventive and continuous compliance – Safety measures must be treated as continuous preventive measures, with periodic reviews and additional steps wherever required.

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WBSSC notice on transfer-related fraud

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Central School Service Commission (WBSSC), in a public notice issued on September 24, warned teachers about alleged approaches by unidentified persons offering improper proposals related to transfers under the existing rules. The commission clarified that it acts only as the recommending authority, while the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education is responsible for sanctioning and issuing such transfers.

The WBSSC also clarified that it has no involvement, directly or indirectly, in any such unlawful activity. It advised teachers who receive such proposals to immediately report them to the appropriate authorities, including the police, Anti-Corruption Bureau and WBSSC, as per the notice.