The Assam government has directed district education authorities to strengthen security measures in schools following reports of repeated thefts of computers, tablets and other digital equipment from educational institutions across the state.
In an official communication issued by Samagra Shiksha Assam, Mission Director Dr. Om Prakash instructed District Mission Coordinators (DMCs), District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) and Inspectors of Schools to take immediate steps to safeguard educational assets installed in schools.
The directive noted that valuable IT equipment, including computers, tablets, Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs) and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, have reportedly been stolen from several schools despite the presence of chowkidars. The incidents have been described as serious security lapses resulting in the loss of assets meant for educational purposes.
To address the issue, authorities have been directed to ensure that chowkidars posted in schools are assigned mandatory night-duty responsibilities. The order states that security personnel will be held accountable for any theft or security breach occurring during their duty hours.
The communication also makes it mandatory for school authorities to immediately report any theft, attempted theft or security breach to the local police station. Officials warned that cases involving missing equipment without a formal police complaint would be treated as negligence, and responsibility would be fixed accordingly.
As part of the enhanced security measures, district education officials have been asked to coordinate directly with Superintendents of Police in their respective districts. They have been directed to provide lists of schools equipped with Interactive Flat Panels, tele-classrooms and computer laboratories, and seek enhanced police patrolling around such institutions.
