In response to a series of thefts involving valuable digital learning equipment, Samagra Shiksha Assam has issued comprehensive new security guidelines aimed at safeguarding government schools across the state. The decision comes after multiple incidents in which computers, tablets, Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs), UPS systems, and other IT infrastructure were stolen from educational institutions, raising serious concerns over the security of school assets.
The directives, issued by Mission Director Dr. Om Prakash, IAS, have been sent to all District Mission Coordinators (DMCs), District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs), Inspectors of Schools (IS), and other concerned authorities. Officials have been instructed to implement the new measures immediately to prevent further thefts and protect educational infrastructure.
According to the notification, the repeated incidents of theft—even in schools where chowkidars were deployed—have exposed significant security lapses. To address this, all schools have been directed to ensure that chowkidars perform mandatory night duty. They will be held directly accountable for any theft or security breach occurring during their duty hours, making them responsible for maintaining the safety of school premises during the night.
The new guidelines also make it compulsory for schools to report every case of theft, attempted theft, or any security breach to the nearest police station without delay. Authorities have warned that if missing equipment is not officially reported to the police, it will be treated as negligence on the part of the concerned officials or school authorities. In such cases, responsibility will be fixed and strict disciplinary action may be initiated.
To further strengthen security, district-level education officials have been instructed to coordinate closely with local police authorities. They will share detailed lists of schools equipped with Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs), tele-classrooms, computer laboratories, and other digital infrastructure so that police can increase patrolling around vulnerable educational institutions and respond quickly to any security threats.
The move reflects the Assam government’s commitment to protecting investments made in digital education and ensuring that students continue to benefit from modern learning facilities without disruption. With technology playing an increasingly important role in classroom teaching, safeguarding educational equipment has become essential for maintaining uninterrupted learning.
The new security measures have come into effect immediately and are expected to significantly improve the protection of government school infrastructure across Assam while strengthening coordination between education authorities and law enforcement agencies.
