Survey Highlights lapses in Security Standards in Bangalore Schools

Vinod Kakumanu
Aug. 31, 2019, 9:34 a.m.

A startling gap in the security of children in the schools in Bangalore has been highlighted by the survey conducted by epidemiology department in conjunction with NIMHANS and the underwriters laboratories. Only 22 percent of the surveyed schools had emergency exits, 94 % had fire extinguishers and just 19% of the teachers in rural schools and 30% of the teachers in urban schools are trained in first aid.

The appraisal covered 131 schools in total, the number included both the government and the private schools. The survey which ended in March 2019 involved 131 schools which had 79,042 students on their rolls.

The key findings of the study are—

The schools had only 51% of the expected safety-levels
54% of the schools had anti-skid flooring
Child-friendly infrastructure is needed in most of the schools.
21% of the safety levels are met, specifics include17% schools have school-zone signage, 12 % of the schools displayed speed limits
43% schools have CCTV surveillance
58% have GPS tracking system
90% schools do not maintain injury related health record

A digital safety appraisal tool has been developed by the surveying team. The tool is developed in line with the national guidelines.

The report states that only 51% of the schools in Bangalore and Kolar meet the safety levels.

It is notable that 60% of the injury related deaths occur in the age group of 15-18 which is preventable if the security standards are met in the schools and are held as examples to the community.