No more male staff: Security of female students paramount in Punjab schools, hostels, and colleges

In a new step towards strengthening the security of female students, the Punjab Higher Education Department has launched a detailed plan of action. Under this programme, female staff will be appointed in all institutions exclusively meant for women throughout Punjab, from public and private institutions alike.

With this new policy, the process of transferring male employees from women’s departments has begun and has improved the security systems in general. Installation of CCTV cameras is now mandatory in all educational institutions like schools, colleges, and universities. These security cameras will be installed in all mixed-gender departments when these institutions are operational. The senior female officers will check these departments every hour to ensure that all security standards are met.

Punjab Higher Education eliminates male staff for security of female students

The transition to a female-only staff structure is underway in female institutes, hostels, and vocational training centres. Footage of CCTV will be kept for at least 30 days, with specific emphasis on dangerous areas, like isolated corridors and dark rooms.

The action plan also incorporates stringent measures against male cooks working in female hostels and prohibits male security personnel from entering these facilities. Female guards will now be assigned to monitor these spaces, further reinforcing the safety net for female students.

For these purposes, sufficient grants have been sanctioned to advance the installation of CCTV camera systems in all parts of the province. The above notifications regarding such security measures have been mailed to every institution and hostel with an earnest request that such security arrangements should be implemented forthwith. This policy will deliver a safe and constructive arena for women in Punjab across the board.

This is an essential initiative that protects female students and guards their right to education free from intimidation. The Department of School Education ensures and makes all efforts to secure the entry of every female student at school with her education and without harassment.