In the wake of scores of instances of mental and sexual torture of girl students in residential schools and Sevashrams, especially in the tribal areas, the State Government has framed strict guidelines to ensure their security.

As per the guidelines issued by the SC and ST Development Department, there would be a lady superintendent in each residential school and Sevashram, who would stay in these premises during the night.

Apart from this, the posts of cook and attendant would be exclusively reserved for women.

Only senior Government officials in the ranks of Deputy Secretary and above or any officials allowed by the concerned district Collector would be allowed to enter into these premises and that also during the school hours.

Besides, the magistrate in charge of law and order, a senior health official and officials of the Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) would be allowed to go inside these hostels and Sevashrams to oversee the work.

However, these officials have to furnish detailed information regarding the cause of their visits in the concerned registers at these institutions.

The department, in a letter to all district Collectors, has asked them to appoint a lady assistant superintendents in the residential schools and Sevashrams by September 30.

The Collectors have been asked to appoint lady assistant superintendents in the residential schools and Sevashrams where there are no lady superintendents by making alternative arrangements during the period.

The process of appointment of all women staff would have to be completed by October 15.

The guidelines have also made it clear that no girls would be allowed to leave their hostels before sunrise and after sunset.

If any girl leaves the hostel on account of an emergency, the concerned superintendents of the hostel would maintain a detailed record of the reason and time of exit and return, etc., of the inmate.

The guidelines have also specified that the contractors and labourers entrusted with construction, repair or renovation of the hostels would be allowed to enter during daytime only.

Above all, in case of entry of any male member in the hostels, he would be accompanied by two lady teachers and other staff of the hostels.