Retired IPS officers to help address security in schools

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has decided to rope in retired IPS officers to help it address the issue of safety of school students.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia held a meeting on Saturday with members of Retired IPS Officers Association, during which the issue was discussed.

The decision comes in the wake of increased concerns about safety of students in schools, following the murder of seven-year-old Pradyuman Thakur at Ryan International Public School in Gurugram and the rape of a five-year-old girl by a school peon in Delhi.

"If retired IPS officers volunteer to come forward for security and safety of students, it will be a great help. We can also run an orientation programme for the teachers in this regard," Sisodia, who also holds the Education portfolio, said.

"We can also constitute a 'neighbourhood watch team' where retired officers can visit nearby schools and recommend measures to ensure safety of students on their premises," he added.

The Delhi Transport enforcement department also expedited its crackdown on private school vehicles flouting norms.

A Delhi government official said that as part of its ongoing drive against errant school vehicles, the Transport department on Friday impounded 250 school buses, including 10 of Ryan International Group of Institutions.