Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Orders Strict Action Against Schools Compromising Children’s Safety

The Delhi government has ordered strict action against schools, daycare centres and childcare facilities found compromising the safety of children, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directing officials to fix accountability not only on individuals involved in incidents but also on school managements found negligent.

The directive comes amid growing concerns over incidents involving children in educational institutions, daycare centres and school transport services across Delhi.

As part of the enforcement action, authorities have sealed a private daycare and playschool in Jafrabad following allegations of abuse involving a three-year-old child. An inspection conducted by the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Yamuna Vihar, reportedly uncovered multiple regulatory and fire-safety violations at the facility.

According to the inspection report dated August 31, the centre did not possess a fire safety certificate, sanctioned building plan or completion and occupancy certificate. Officials also found that the emergency exit and staircases were blocked, while the only fire extinguisher available at the premises was non-functional.

The inspection reportedly identified several additional violations. A borewell had allegedly been installed without permission, rooms had inadequate ventilation and basement spaces were being used for conducting classes, contrary to provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957.

The premises were also reportedly being operated commercially from a residential property. Officials found a kitchen on the first floor where domestic LPG cylinders were being used. Following the violations and the absence of satisfactory permissions and explanations from the school's director, authorities sealed the facility in the interest of public safety.

Chief Minister Gupta said inhumane treatment and negligence affecting children would not be tolerated. She stressed that school managements would also face accountability wherever institutional negligence was established.

The government is also examining stronger verification and monitoring mechanisms for school transport personnel following concerns over incidents involving children. Measures under consideration include improved background verification of staff and enhanced monitoring of school buses.

In another proposed safety measure, the Delhi government plans to discuss stronger monitoring systems with neighbouring states for buses travelling to and from the National Capital. One proposal involves integrating GPS systems of buses from other states with Delhi's monitoring mechanism to enable quicker intervention during emergencies.

Medical Rooms Planned in Government Schools

Alongside stricter enforcement, the Delhi government has announced plans to establish dedicated medical rooms in government schools to improve access to basic healthcare and counselling.

The initiative will initially be introduced in 100 government schools as a pilot project before being expanded in phases to cover 1,086 schools. The government has allocated ₹5 crore in the 2026-27 Budget Estimates for the pilot programme.

Trained health workers will provide first aid, basic health assistance, temporary rest facilities and counselling. The medical rooms will also support health-awareness programmes and maintain relevant student health records.

Girl students experiencing menstrual discomfort will have access to a safe and private space. The initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to create safer, healthier and more supportive learning environments for children across Delhi government schools.