Itanagar, May 9:
The All Arunachal Pradesh Private Schools & Children Welfare Association (AAPPS&CWA) has issued an extensive set of guidelines for private schools and hostels across Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on student safety, discipline, cultural preservation, welfare measures, and institutional administration.
In a move aimed at promoting indigenous heritage and cultural identity among students, the Association announced that every Friday will be observed as “Traditional Dress Day.” On the designated day, students, teachers, and staff members will be required to wear traditional attire representing their respective tribes or districts.
The Association has also laid down strict transportation safety regulations for schools. According to the new directives, school buses older than five years from the date of purchase will no longer be permitted for student transportation. Additionally, all school buses must adhere to a maximum speed limit of 40 km per hour, while the deployment of a handyman or helper during student transport has been made mandatory to ensure student safety and assistance.
To strengthen emergency preparedness, schools and buses have been instructed to prominently display essential emergency contact numbers, including those of ambulance services, fire departments, and nearby police stations.
For hostel administration, the guidelines mandate the appointment of one Warden and at least two Assistant Wardens on every hostel floor to ensure adequate supervision and student welfare. The Association has further directed schools to install CCTV surveillance systems in school campuses and hostel premises, excluding girls’ hostel areas and other privacy-sensitive locations.
Special emphasis has also been placed on food safety and hygiene in hostels. Hostel authorities have been instructed to maintain strict cleanliness standards in kitchens and dining areas. Hostel staff members will also be required to taste and verify food quality before meals are served to students.
In a welfare-oriented initiative, the Association directed every private school in the state to provide free admission to at least two orphan students. The selection process will be carried out based on certification and approval by the concerned District Administration and the Association, with the respective Deputy Commissioner chairing the selection committee.
The guidelines further make Association membership compulsory for all private schools for a minimum period of three years beginning January 2026. A Vigilance Team constituted by the Association will conduct inspections across schools to monitor compliance with the prescribed standards and regulations.
The Association also warned schools against admitting students without proper Transfer Certificates (TC) and Permanent Education Number (PEN) records, stating that violations may attract penalties.
Further, the Association stated that parents or outsiders must not threaten, assault, or misbehave with teachers, school staff, or management authorities, adding that legal action may be initiated against individuals found involved in such acts.
In another major decision, the Association announced that from the academic session 2027 onward, all private schools in Arunachal Pradesh will follow a common academic calendar. However, schools located in Tawang and Ziro regions may be exempted depending on local conditions. The annual academic schedule, including reopening dates, vacations, and examination timelines, will be published every December for implementation in the following academic session.
The guidelines were issued by Shri Yowa Bullet, President of the All Arunachal Pradesh Private Schools & Children Welfare Association, for strict compliance by all member schools across the state.
