Institutions continue to issue safety advisories to students

PANAJI

Despite Goa police dispelling rumours about attempted kidnapping of students from schools, many educational institutions continue to issue safety advisories to their students and parents.

In a fresh set of instructions, students are strictly asked to leave school only with their parents or guardian, not to loiter alone around the campus and not entertain any strangers or accept anything from them.

Our Lady of Rosary High School has reminded its students to follow all the safety norms to and fro as a cautionary message was announced during their morning assembly this week. “The teachers have told us to be with our parents only (to be picked and dropped) and not to believe, talk or accept anything from any stranger. Kidnapping cases are a concern and therefore, we are asked to ensure proper care and precautions,” the school's student told The Goan.

The news of attempted kidnapping from two schools in South Goa and one at Mapusa created panic among the parents, prompting schools to issue advisory even as the police have debunked the paranoia. Director General of Police Jaspal Singh has already issued a public statement urging people to not believe in rumours but advised them to take precautions.

A Class V student recently thwarted an alleged kidnapping attempt from the school after she alerted her teachers.

The schools' management is doing everything to protect their students as many of them have repeatedly been reminding its students and their parents to exercise caution. Another school in Cujira has issued a similar advisory while also asking its drivers to drop students at their doorstep.  

Shree Mahalaxmi Primary School of Mushtifund Saunstha released a notice for parents to build ‘a strong and safe system' for children.

“Children's safety is a matter of concern for the school. This school has the following instructions to be followed meticulously by the parents,” reads the notice as it reeled out a long list of safety measures, one of which states that their staff ensures that each child is handed over either to the parent or the registered driver of the van/bus.

“Parents must send a Whatsapp message to the Class teacher in case a relative/friend is coming to pick up instead of you. Any change in pick up should be strictly informed to the school,” it further states.

The schools have also advised parents to accompany their children after picking them up from school and not leave them unattended.