In the backdrop of recent notice from the High Court, the Delhi government has issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for bomb threats in schools.
These SOPs include, installing CCTV cameras, making evacuation plans, holding regular safety drills, and mock drills in the schools across the national capital.
“Schools are required to maintain updated building layouts, install CCTV cameras and secure their perimeters to assist police and fire personnel during threat assessments and evacuation,” the statement stated.
The directions seem significant as around 200 schools have been victim of hoax bomb threats between 2024 and 2025.
According to SOPs designed by the Directorate of Education (DoE), “The SOP aims to instill a culture of preparedness and vigilance while ensuring a swift and coordinated response during emergencies. To maintain transparency and accountability, schools are now required to submit a monthly safety checklist to their respective district authorities.”
This comes after Delhi high court on May 2 issued notices to chief secretary Dharmendra and Delhi Police while hearing a plea accusing authorities of not implementing a comprehensive mechanism for handling bomb threats in schools.
These SOPs have been made mandatory for all schools, including government, government-aided, minority-run, and recognized unaided private institutions.
Meanwhile, the department has instructed all principals and schools to form school safety committees to oversee routine mock drills, ensure that emergency kits are maintained and coordinate on evacuation routes.
