Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Jan 26: In the wake of repeated reports of leopard movement in recent weeks, the Beltangady block education office (BEO) has issued a detailed safety circular to all schools in the taluk, directing them to enforce strict precautionary measures to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.

Beltangady BEO Tarakesari said the guidelines were issued following concerns raised by teachers and parents over frequent leopard sightings in various parts of the taluk. The circular calls for heightened vigilance and places collective responsibility for student safety on all teaching staff.

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Schools have been instructed to ensure that children commute with their parents wherever possible and to formally communicate the safety measures to parents. Parents have also been advised to send children from home at a time that allows them to reach school only by 9.30 am.

As per the circular, students must be released strictly at 4.20 pm under parental responsibility. Head teachers and designated staff members have been directed to remain on the campus until every child has safely left the school premises. Schools have also been instructed to ensure that students do not leave the campus at other times and that continuous supervision is maintained to prevent any untoward incidents.

Children will be permitted to play or use washrooms only under the supervision of teachers, with particular emphasis on moving in groups. Schools have been advised not to conduct evening special classes and to hold online classes only after students return home safely.

In areas witnessing frequent leopard movement, the circular allows children to be exempted from attending school, with parents instructed to ensure their safety at home. For schools located near forest areas, classes must be conducted with doors kept closed, and children must be accompanied by teachers whenever they step outside classrooms.

The circular further advises teachers to remain alert, use vehicles wherever possible, avoid walking through isolated or difficult routes, and leave the school premises only after ensuring that all children have departed safely.

The BEO emphasised that the overall responsibility for the safety of children, from the time they arrive at school until they return home, rests with school staff, while also urging teachers to ensure their own personal safety amid the ongoing wildlife scare.