The Punjab government has issued a directive making it mandatory for all Punjab Schools to establish anti-harassment committees. This step aims to create a safe and respectful environment for students.
The School Education Department (SED) issued the notification following orders from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on the International Day of the Girl Child. The committees will serve as a confidential mechanism to handle complaints related to harassment in schools.
Each committee in Punjab Schools will be chaired by the school head and include at least three teachers, ensuring female representation is mandatory. These committees will operate under the guidelines of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010.
The committees will receive complaints discreetly, conduct fair investigations, protect complainants during proceedings, maintain records, and submit regular reports to their respective District Education Authorities (DEAs). This ensures accountability and timely action across all Punjab Schools.
The SED has stressed that every primary, elementary, secondary, and higher secondary school must promptly form these committees. Schools failing to comply may face administrative action, reinforcing the importance of a harassment-free environment.
Officials emphasized that the establishment of these committees is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial step in promoting awareness and respect among students and staff. It aims to encourage students to report incidents without fear of retaliation.
The initiative reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to protecting children and ensuring that educational institutions provide a secure and inclusive learning environment. With this directive, Punjab Schools are expected to become role models for student safety and gender equality.
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By implementing these measures, Punjab Schools will strengthen their policies against harassment and ensure compliance with national laws protecting women and children in educational settings.
This move is seen as a significant step toward empowering students and fostering a culture of respect and safety across all schools in Punjab.
