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The Hindu
7 days ago
- The Hindu
Cases of poisoning of drinking water in government schools: DSEL issues SOP for children's safety
Following two shocking incidents of miscreants poisoning the drinking water tanks of government schools in Shivamogga and Belagavi districts, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by headmasters every day in their schools. The Commissioner of Public Instruction has issued the circular with a total of 25 points to be followed, including checking drinking water regularly and ensuring that the sump is locked. These aspects should be checked, confirmed, and documented by the headmaster of the school daily. They have to obtain the signature of a visitor to confirm that the procedure has been followed. HMs made accountable Noting lapses in aspects related to safety of children in schools, the note said, 'If headmasters check some basic factors on a daily basis and take precautionary measures, possible mishaps in schools can be avoided.' They have been instructed to take precautionary measures so that there is no lapse in safety, the circular stated. The department has also listed out duties to be performed by the officials regarding the implementation of SOP various levels, including district nodal officers, Deputy Directors of Public Instruction (DDPIs), Block Education Officers (BEOs), and others. This information should also be entered in the Students' Achievement Tracking System (SATS) every day. Shocking incident Speaking to The Hindu, K.V. Trilok Chandra, Commissioner of Public Instruction, said, 'The incident of miscreants poisoning school water tanks is shocking. In this regard, SOPs have been issued to be followed regularly in every school. All schools have to submit reports to the department.' If they fail, action will be taken against the headmaster concerned, he warned. Recently, miscreants had poisoned the drinking water tanks of two government schools in Shivamogga and Belagavi districts. The police have arrested three people belonging to Srirama Sene in Belagavi district. In the case of Shivamogga, investigation is still on.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Karnataka plans to prescribe NCERT textbooks from class 1
The State government is planning to prescribe National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT) textbooks from Class 1 to all students of State board schools. Presently, NCERT textbooks are prescribed to students in high school. Following a representation by Government Primary School Teachers' Association demanding the same, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh recently held a meeting with the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) and office bearers of the association, where the government has in-principle accepted this, sources said. The government will scrap the existing Nali-Kali programme, a multi-class teaching programme where students from classes 1, 2 and 3 are taught by a single teacher in one classroom, currently practiced only in government and aided schools. Instead these students will be separated into different classes, assign them different teachers and teach them NCERT textbooks. 'The Nali-Kali scheme is not working properly in the State. Therefore, there is a discussion at the government level regarding scrapping it and implementing NCERT textbooks from Class 1 in all state curriculum schools, including government, aided and private schools across the state. However, the government will take a final decision in this regard,' said K.V. Trilok Chandra, Commissioner of Public Instruction. Raising issues with the Nali-Kali programme Government Primary School Teachers' Association had petitioned the state government to abolish the same and prescribe NCERT textbooks, to ensure quality education from primary classes itself, even in government and aided schools. 'The Nali-Kali system has failed in primary education, and the quality of learning of students is going down. Due to this, the number of children in government schools is decreasing every year. In this context, we have requested the government to abandon the Nali-Kali system and prescribe NCERT textbooks from class 1. The NCERT curriculum will help improve the learning competency levels of children. The government has responded positively to our request,' said Chandrashekara Nuggali, general secretary of the association. Why NCERT textbooks? NCERT textbooks have been prescribed in all schools following the central syllabus and are considered to be updated. It has been a common trend that students preparing for competitive exams to professional courses, and even in recruitment exams, including civil services follow NCERT textbooks for reference. One of the reasons for this could also be that these exams have more NCERT syllabus-based questions.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
‘Child Helpline - 1098' to be written on school walls, included in textbooks
The Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has ordered widespread dissemination of the Child Helpline number 1098, which provides 24/7 emergency services to children, in schools and colleges. A circular issued by K.V. Trilok Chandra, Commissioner for Public Instruction, in this regard, directs that all government, aided, private schools and pre-university colleges across the state have to write 'Child Helpline - 1098' on their walls, put it as a seal at the bottom of all pages of textbooks, in all school websites and inform students during morning assembly. 'The government's objective is to provide emergency services to children in distress and need of protection and nurturing. This is a free phone call that children or the public can call and provide protection to children in need of emergency assistance,' Mr. Trilok Chandra said. This move comes against the backdrop of concern over rising cases of abuse faced by children in homes, schools, and public places. For instance, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had reprimanded officials for failing to curb the menace of child marriages in the State. Concerns were also raised over rising teenage pregnancies. Apart from these, punishments including caning children, cleaning toilets by children, physical and mental abuse, and sexual harassment have been reported from schools as well. 'In such situations, children become disoriented and helpless to protect themselves. In this regard, the child helpline has been implemented to provide emergency services to children in need of care and protection. But not many children themselves know about it. These steps will help make children aware that they can seek help from the helpline,' a senior official said. The School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) has welcomed the move of the DSEL to widely promote the Child Helpline. 'Even schools and colleges are not free of child exploitation. After suffering abuse, children are often left devastated, unable to tell anyone, including their parents, about the atrocities committed against them. Therefore, if the Child Helpline is always in front of their eyes, it will be helpful for them to call and protect themselves in emergency situations', Umesh G. Gangavadi, State president of SDMC said.
