Schools to train students to handle terror situations

In the wake of terror attacks in Mumbai, educational establishments are planning multi-pronged strategy, including training the students on how to manage any possible exigency on the campus.

In the wake of terror attacks in Mumbai, educational establishments are planning multi-pronged strategy, including training the students on how to manage any possible exigency on the campus.

The National University for Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) is organising a one-day conference towards the end of this month to discuss with school principals on how to provide proper training to school students and teachers to skillfully handle any possible untoward incident.

“The major question today is that are we prepared to face any eventuality be it a terror attack or any disaster. We will discuss these issues with principals and find out how to train the students to skillfully handle such situations,” Nazma Akhtar, Head of Education Administration of NUEPA, said.

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Northwest Delhi Sahodaya School Complex will be a partner in organising this conference which focus more on addressing the issue of sensitivity and sensibility of the students.

“The children are to be equipped with skills to manage situation of adversity. The conference will prepare a training module for students which can be imparted to them,” said Ritika Bhatia, president of Northwest Delhi Sahodaya School Complex.

She said principals of 42 private schools in the capital have consented to attend the conference. Principals of government schools have been invited too, she said. Besides this conference, NUEPA is also organinising a training programme on disaster management this month. There will be a session on school safety and security in the light of the terrorist attacks.

Meanwhile, city schools have augmented their security arrangements. Bhatai, principal of the New State Academy in Pritam Pura, said that her school has procured two metal detectors for frisking.

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Similarly, Salwan Public School in Patel Nagar has undertaken measures to instill confidence in students, principal of the institute, Vandana Puri said.

“We have tightened our security arrangements. Everyone who enters has to pass through a metal detector screening and a physical check. Identity cards are being made for parents and entry of other visitors is being controlled/restricted at the main gates,” she said.

“But psychologically also, the students have to be prepared for the uncertainties of future,” she added.