Ryan incident fallout: Schools directed to check staff background

NEW DELHI: In the wake of irregularities found in safety measures taken by Ryan International School in Gurgaon, the Centre has directed all states to formulate ways to carry out social and professional background checks of not only teachers but also contractual staff working in schools.

Officials said this is in line with guidelines issued by the HRD ministry in October 2014 to ensure the safety and security of school children as mandated by the Right to Education Act, 2009.

The guidelines include measures on the accessibility and structure of buildings, upkeep of boundary walls, locking of gates during school hours, upkeep of classrooms and inclusion of more women as cooks, helpers and other staff in schools, apart from ensuring proper background checks on teachers and staffers.