Punjab Orders Stricter Security Measures in All Schools | Official Notification Issued

The Punjab School Education Department has issued a strong directive ordering all government and private schools across the province to immediately enhance their security arrangements. The official notification, circulated to school heads, district officers, and administrative bodies, emphasizes that no compromise on student and staff safety will be tolerated under any circumstances.

The new measures come in response to rising security concerns in educational institutions nationwide. According to the notification, every school—whether operating in a rural area or an urban center—must strictly adhere to the updated security protocols prescribed by the government. School heads and principals will be held directly responsible for ensuring complete compliance.

Comprehensive Security Audits Ordered

One of the central directives issued by the department includes the immediate initiation of comprehensive security audits across all public and private schools. Field formations have been instructed to begin inspections without delay and thoroughly examine the existing arrangements, including boundary walls, CCTV coverage, gate security, visitor management, bag checking, and emergency preparedness plans.

Officials have been told that any loopholes or shortcomings identified during the inspection must be addressed on an urgent basis. Schools that fail to meet the required security standards may face administrative action, warnings, or even temporary closure until the deficiencies are corrected.

Daily Monitoring Visits by Field Officers

To ensure strict implementation of the new guidelines, the Punjab School Education Department has directed all field officers, including District Education Authorities (DEAs), Deputy District Education Officers (DDEOs), and Assistant Education Officers (AEOs), to conduct daily monitoring visits to schools under their jurisdiction.

These officers are required to inspect entry and exit points, assess the presence and training of security guards, verify the functionality of surveillance systems, and ensure that emergency response procedures are clearly communicated to staff and students.

Furthermore, officers must submit daily compliance reports to higher authorities, enabling the department to track progress in real time. The government has made it clear that negligence on the part of monitoring teams will also lead to strict administrative consequences.

Special Directives for Daanish Schools and Cadet Colleges

In addition to regular schools, the Punjab School Education Department has issued special security guidelines for Daanish Schools, Cadet Colleges, and other boarding institutions. These schools host hundreds of students who live on campus, making it crucial to strengthen internal and perimeter security.

Principals of these institutions have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance, ensure round-the-clock monitoring, and carry out security drills to prepare staff and students for any unexpected situation. The government has emphasized that such elite institutions must set an example by maintaining the highest level of safety standards.

Security Protocols Schools Must Implement

Although the notification covers a broad range of instructions, several key security protocols have been highlighted:

• Mandatory deployment of trained security guards at school entrances.

• Fully functional CCTV cameras covering entrances, corridors, and playgrounds.

• Complete boundary walls with barbed wire or razor fencing where necessary.

• Controlled entry system with proper visitor identification and registration.

• Emergency evacuation plans displayed in classrooms and hallways.

• Metal detectors and walk-through gates at schools located in sensitive zones.

• Regular security drills for students and staff.

• Verification of all employees, including contractual and support staff.

Schools have been directed to maintain updated security records, which will be reviewed during surprise inspections.

Responsibility Placed on School Heads

One of the most critical aspects of the new directive is the clear transfer of responsibility to school heads and principals. According to the department, the school administration must ensure the implementation of all security protocols, and failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

This strong stance signals the government’s intention to adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding negligence. The department believes that empowering school heads while holding them accountable will ensure better execution of security arrangements.

Why the Sudden Push for Stricter Security?

Though no specific incident has been cited in the notification, the move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance safety in educational institutions amid growing security concerns. Over the past year, several provinces have increased vigilance around schools due to potential threats, and Punjab’s latest directive continues this trend.

Security experts have long emphasized the importance of proactive measures rather than reactive responses. Strengthening school safety has become essential as institutions host millions of children across the province.

Parents Welcome Decision

Initial reactions from parents and teacher associations show widespread approval of the new measures. Many parents believe the decision was overdue, as schools remain one of the most vulnerable public spaces. They have urged authorities to ensure that inspections remain consistent rather than temporary.

Teachers have also expressed support, stating that a secure environment allows both students and staff to focus entirely on academics without fear.

The Punjab School Education Department’s directive marks a major step in strengthening the security of educational institutions across the province. By ordering comprehensive audits, enforcing daily inspections, and placing accountability on school heads, the government aims to create a safer learning environment for millions of students.

As implementation begins, the coming weeks will reveal how effectively schools respond to the new mandate and whether long-term vigilance can be maintained.