Wed Nov 27 02:15:47 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu’s School Sexual Harassment Prevention Measures Largely Unimplemented

**Chennai, [Date]** – Despite a 2021 government order outlining safety guidelines to protect students from sexual harassment, crucial measures remain unimplemented in Tamil Nadu schools, according to a New Indian Express investigation. The order, issued following #MeToo allegations against a teacher, mandated the formation of Student Safeguarding Advisory Committees and annual awareness programs.

However, headmasters from both government and private schools report these committees are largely non-functional and haven’t been reconstituted as required. Annual orientation programs on sexual offenses under the POCSO Act, safety audits, and compliance reports are also widely neglected. Even the designated Child Abuse Prevention Week, previously actively promoted, was not observed this year.

While the school education department claims to have urged officials to enforce the 2021 order and plans to conduct the awareness week in December due to ongoing student examinations, activists criticize the lack of implementation and call for a comprehensive plan to prevent sexual harassment in schools. The department’s response highlights the ongoing challenge of translating well-intentioned policies into effective action on the ground.

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