GUWAHATI: The Samagra Shiksha Assam has directed district education authorities across the state to strengthen security measures in schools following repeated incidents of theft involving computers, tablets, interactive flat panels (IFPs), UPS units and other IT equipment.
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In an official order issued on June 23, it was stated that valuable educational assets have been stolen from several schools despite the presence of chowkidars, raising concerns over serious security lapses.
The directive has been sent to all District Mission Coordinators (DMCs), District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) and Inspectors of Schools (IS) across Assam.
As part of the new measures, schools have been instructed to ensure that chowkidars are assigned mandatory night duty and held accountable for any theft or security breach occurring during their duty hours.
The order also makes it compulsory for school authorities to immediately report any theft, attempted theft or security breach to the local police station. Cases of missing equipment that are not formally reported to the police will be treated as negligence, with responsibility fixed and action taken accordingly.
Further, district education officials have been directed to coordinate with Superintendents of Police in their respective districts and share lists of schools equipped with Interactive Flat Panels, tele-classrooms and computer laboratories. Enhanced police patrolling has also been sought in vulnerable areas.
The move comes amid concerns over repeated thefts of government-funded digital learning infrastructure installed in schools under various education initiatives.