Strengthening Child Protection in Educational Institutions
In a renewed push to ensure child safety across schools, the Delhi Government has relaunched its online training course on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The initiative, accessible through the DIKSHA platform, is now mandatory for all school staff—teaching and non-teaching—across government and private institutions in the capital.
The training must be completed by June 30, 2025, and aims to create greater awareness of legal responsibilities among educators, administrators, and other personnel interacting with children.
A Policy for Every Adult on Campus
The directive, issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), makes it clear that every adult employed in or associated with a school environment must undergo the training. This includes permanent and contractual employees in Delhi government schools, MCD and NDMC-run schools, private institutions, and even those affiliated with CBSE.
A senior official at the DoE stated, “Child safety is not optional. It is a shared responsibility. This course ensures that every adult in a school understands their legal duty under the POCSO Act.”
Accessing the Training via DIKSHA
The POCSO training course is available through the government’s DIKSHA platform, which is accessible via mobile app or desktop. Users must register with their official credentials and complete a series of modules. The course content is available in both Hindi and English.
Participants must pass a final assessment with at least 60% marks to receive their certificate of completion.
Why the Push for Mandatory Training?
The POCSO Act was enacted in 2012 to safeguard children from sexual abuse and exploitation. However, implementation in educational institutions has often been uneven. Recent incidents in Delhi and elsewhere have highlighted the need for greater awareness and structured intervention mechanisms within schools.
The relaunch comes as part of the Delhi Government’s broader commitment to ensure that all institutions handling minors operate with a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse. Officials noted that many staff members in the past had inadequate understanding of what constitutes abuse, how to handle disclosures, and what their legal obligations are.
What the Training Covers
Though the course is brief, its structure is comprehensive. It educates participants on:
- The legal framework and provisions under the POCSO Act
- How to identify early signs of abuse in children
- Safe practices for interacting with students
- Step-by-step instructions for reporting suspected abuse
- Penalties for negligence or failure to act
Dr. Renu Singh, an education policy consultant, noted, “The strength of this program lies in its clarity. It’s not just about legal text—it helps school staff respond appropriately in real-life situations.”
Accountability and Institutional Oversight
The Education Department has placed the onus on Heads of Schools (HoS) to ensure compliance. Principals are expected to track staff participation, maintain internal completion records, and submit compliance reports upon request.
Failure to comply may result in administrative action. In extreme cases, it could affect the recognition status of private schools or lead to disciplinary measures against government officials.
A spokesperson from the Directorate explained, “This isn’t just a bureaucratic formality. It’s a legal requirement. Not taking the training seriously could have consequences for the individual and the institution.”
Looking Beyond the Course: A Culture Shift
The initiative is not a one-off. It is part of a growing emphasis within Delhi’s education system to embed child protection into its core practices. Additional measures include forming School Protection Committees, student sensitization programs, and coordination with child rights commissions.
“It’s not just about checking boxes,” said an MCD school principal. “We’re working to create environments where children feel safe enough to speak up—and where adults know what to do when they do.”
FAQs: POCSO Act Training for Delhi School Staff
Q1. Who is required to complete the POCSO Act training in Delhi?
All teaching and non-teaching staff in Delhi’s government, private, MCD, NDMC, and CBSE-affiliated schools must complete the training. This includes principals, teachers, clerks, peons, contractual staff, and administrative personnel.Q2. What is the deadline to complete the POCSO training in 2025?
The deadline is June 30, 2025. All eligible school staff must complete the course and receive certification by this date.Q3. Where can I access the training module?
The training is hosted on the DIKSHA platform—available through its mobile app or web portal. Participants must log in with official credentials to enroll.Q4. Is the POCSO training mandatory for private school teachers?
Yes. The Delhi Government has clearly stated that private school staff are equally required to undergo the training, not just those in government-run institutions.Q5. What happens if a staff member doesn’t complete the training?
Non-compliance could lead to disciplinary action, and institutions may face scrutiny. Heads of Schools are responsible for ensuring their teams comply.Q6. What does the training cover?
The course covers key provisions of the POCSO Act, recognizing signs of abuse, proper handling of child disclosures, legal reporting procedures, and institutional responsibilities.Q7. Will participants receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes. Participants must pass a final assessment with at least 60% marks to earn a certificate of completion, which must be retained for official records.Q8. Can the training be completed in regional languages?
Currently, the training is available in Hindi and English. The government may consider expanding language support based on future needs.