POCSO Policy

Protection Of Children From Sexual Offences (Pocso) Policy

 

Upasana Lions English Medium School
(Framed in accordance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and POCSO Rules, 2020)

1. Preamble

Upasana Lions English Medium School is committed to providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for all its students. The school adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual abuse, harassment, or exploitation of children.

This POCSO Policy is framed in compliance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child enrolled in the school and will be updated from time to time.

2. Scope and Applicability

This policy is applicable to:

  • All students of the school
  • Teaching staff
  • Non-teaching and administrative staff
  • Contractual staff, drivers, helpers, security, and support staff
  • Visitors, volunteers, and service providers within school premises or during school activities

3. Objectives of the Policy

  • To protect children from sexual offences and harassment
  • To establish a child-friendly mechanism for prevention and redressal
  • To ensure mandatory reporting of offences under POCSO Act
  • To create awareness among students, staff, and parents
  • To ensure strict compliance with legal and ethical standards

4. Definition of a Child

As per the POCSO Act, a child is any person below the age of 18 years.

5. Internal Child Protection Committee (ICPC)

The school shall constitute an Internal Child Protection Committee (ICPC) consisting of:

  • Principal – Chairperson
  • Two senior teachers (preferably one male and one female)
  • School counsellor
  • One female staff member

Responsibilities of ICPC:

  • Receive and address complaints related to child safety
  • Ensure immediate reporting to authorities
  • Maintain confidentiality and child-friendly procedures
  • Conduct awareness and training programs

6. Code of Conduct for Staff

All staff members shall:

  • Maintain professional and appropriate behaviour with students
  • Refrain from any form of physical, emotional, or sexual misconduct
  • Avoid unsupervised one-to-one interaction with students
  • Follow ethical guidelines for digital and online communication
  • Report any suspected or known offence immediately

Violation of the Code of Conduct will invite strict disciplinary and legal action.

7. Mandatory Reporting Procedure

  • Any knowledge or suspicion of a sexual offence against a child must be reported immediately
  • The offence shall be reported to the local police / Child Welfare Committee within 24 hours
  • Internal enquiry shall not substitute mandatory reporting
  • Failure to report is a punishable offence under POCSO Act

8. Confidentiality and Child-Friendly Approach

  • Identity of the child shall be kept strictly confidential
  • The child shall be treated with dignity, sensitivity, and respect
  • No victim-blaming, intimidation, or discrimination shall be permitted
  • Parents/guardians shall be informed as per legal requirements

9. Staff Recruitment and Background Verification

  • Verification records shall be maintained by the school
  • Periodic review of staff credentials shall be undertaken

10. Awareness and Capacity Building

  • Regular POCSO awareness and training programs for staff
  • Age-appropriate awareness sessions for students

11. Safe School Infrastructure

The school shall ensure:

  • CCTV surveillance in common areas (excluding washrooms and changing rooms)
  • Safe school playground supervision
  • Secure security control within school premises

12. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

  • Multiple reporting channels including teachers, counsellors, and ICPC members
  • Complaint/suggestion boxes accessible to students
  • Display of Childline Helpline Number 1098 at prominent locations

13. Disciplinary Action

  • Immediate administrative action against accused personnel as per service rules
  • Full cooperation with law enforcement agencies
  • Strict action against concealment or non-reporting of offences

14. Record Keeping and Documentation

The school shall maintain:

  • Complaint registers
  • Training and awareness records
  • ICPC meeting minutes
  • Annual compliance reports

15. Policy Review and Declaration

  • This policy shall be reviewed annually or as required by law
  • The school shall submit compliance declarations to concerned authorities

16. Adoption and Authentication

This POCSO Policy is hereby adopted by Upasana Lions English Medium School and shall come into force with immediate effect.