The Odisha government said it has codified a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for any sexual offences against students by the teaching or non-teaching staff in residential schools managed by SC and ST Development (SSD) Department across the State.
In a statement issued on January 11, the SSD department said: “Any violation of zero tolerance policy is dealt promptly and in the most stringent manner. Any sexual offences against any student shall be treated as a major offence under the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962 and shall be liable for dismissal from services.”
“It can also be noted here that staff are also being trained [regarding the] Protection of Children Against Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act and on the Safety Security Guidelines to further facilitate them to ensure safety and security of the boarders in all SSD schools,” the department said.
