Odisha Launches School Safety Week; Safety Audits Mandatory in Government Schools

Bhubaneswar: To strengthen student safety and enhance disaster preparedness in government schools, the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has directed all district collectors to observe School Safety Week 2026–27 across the state this August and ensure comprehensive safety audits of school campuses.

The directive, issued by OSEPA State Project Director Ananya Das, IAS, follows recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). With the monsoon season underway, the authority has stressed the need for timely preventive measures to safeguard children and create a safer learning environment.

According to the official communication, government schools that have not yet completed structural and non-structural safety audits must carry out the inspections without delay. Schools that have already conducted the assessments will not be required to repeat the exercise.

District Education Officers (DEOs) have been appointed as district-level nodal officers to oversee implementation of the Odisha School Safety Policy, 2016, monitor compliance, and coordinate activities with local authorities.

As part of School Safety Week, educational institutions will conduct awareness and preparedness programmes covering disaster management, child protection, first aid, fire safety, sanitation, emergency response and other measures aimed at improving school safety.

To ensure uniform implementation, OSEPA has circulated detailed activity schedules, operational guidelines and monitoring formats to all districts. The state has also earmarked ₹2,000 per government school under the Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI schemes for School Safety Week activities during the 2026–27 academic session.

The authority clarified that PM SHRI funds will be utilised only in PM SHRI schools, while Samagra Shiksha funds will support other eligible government schools. Additionally, schools have been permitted to use up to 10 per cent of their School Grant, wherever applicable, for sanitation and campus cleanliness.

Describing the initiative as a priority, OSEPA has urged district administrations and education authorities to complete all safety-related measures within the stipulated timeline so that schools remain well-equipped to respond to emergencies throughout the academic year.

Six-Day Action Plan

The School Safety Week will follow a structured six-day schedule focusing on campus safety and emergency preparedness.

On the first day, schools will undertake a comprehensive cleanliness drive. Campuses, classrooms, overhead water tanks and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) kitchens will be cleaned, while unusable furniture, electronic waste, old water purifiers and other scrap materials will be removed. Schools will also inspect drinking water and toilet facilities, inform stakeholders about the programme and prepare a detailed activity calendar.

The second day will be dedicated to planning and assessment. Meetings of the School Safety Committee and School Management Committee (SMC) will be held, followed by hazard identification exercises and structural as well as non-structural safety audits. Schools will document potential risks, assess available resources and complete the prescribed safety assessment formats.

On the third day, institutions will work on reducing identified risks by repairing damaged floors, walls and roofs, securing open wells, ponds and drains, and marking unsafe areas. Schools will also ensure the safe storage of inflammable and hazardous materials, improve drinking water facilities and prominently display emergency helpline numbers.

The fourth day will focus on emergency preparedness and student health. Schools will inspect fire extinguishers, obtain fire safety certificates where necessary, replenish first-aid kits, repair sanitation facilities, organise mock evacuation drills and conduct health check-ups for students while maintaining proper records. The School Safety and Disaster Evacuation Plan will also be displayed at prominent locations on campus.