Udaipur- Following the tragic killing of Devraj, a minor student, by his classmate on August 16, Udaipur’s schools have heightened security measures, with the Education Department issuing stringent guidelines aimed at preventing such incidents in the future. Private schools have also followed suit by circulating directives to parents, which have informally come to be known as the "Devraj Guidelines."

Incident Overview: The Catalyst for Change

The brutal attack that claimed Devraj’s life has left a lasting impact on the city. Devraj, a promising student at Bhatiyani Chowhatta Government School, was stabbed in the thigh by a fellow classmate, reportedly from a different community, in a premeditated act.

Initial police findings suggest that the attacker had specifically purchased the knife to harm Devraj. The shocking violence disturbed the peace across Udaipur, and despite battling for his life for four days, Devraj tragically passed away on the day of Raksha Bandhan.

His death sent shockwaves through not only his family but also the broader community, raising concerns among parents, educators, and officials about student safety.

Education Department’s Response: New Guidelines

In response to the incident, the Education Department has, for the first time, issued written instructions to all schools, introducing a range of measures designed to prevent such violent occurrences. These guidelines focus on stricter regulation of items that students are allowed to bring to school, along with enhanced vigilance to curb potentially harmful behaviors among students.

Private schools have implemented these guidelines rigorously, asking parents to acknowledge and sign the newly issued circulars. The guidelines emphasize banning sharp objects and other items that could pose a threat to student safety. Some of the key prohibitions include:

• Sharp objects: Knives, scissors, and any sharp tools are strictly prohibited.

• Potentially hazardous items: Cigarette lighters, matches, firecrackers, chemicals, and sprays are no longer allowed in school premises.

• Non-prescription medicines: Students are banned from bringing syrups or any medication that is not prescribed by a doctor.

• Electronic gadgets: Devices like mobile phones, gaming consoles, and other electronic gadgets are not permitted unless explicitly authorized by the school.

• Extraneous items: Unnecessary sports equipment, chewing gum, expensive jewelry, and large amounts of cash are also banned.

To enforce these measures, schools have initiated random bag checks to ensure that students comply with the guidelines. In the aftermath of Devraj’s death, school administrations are on high alert, taking extra precautions to ensure that no banned items make their way into classrooms.

While parents largely support these new regulations, some have raised concerns about their effectiveness. Many feel that while banning items like jewelry, chewing gum, and cash is a step in the right direction, such restrictions do not address the root cause of violent behavior.

Parents argue that schools should focus more on identifying and counseling students who exhibit aggressive or troubling tendencies, as conflicts between children can quickly escalate. Some parents believe that more effort is needed to foster better communication between schools and families regarding students’ emotional and behavioral well-being.

In addition to physical safety measures, private schools have advised parents to monitor their children’s activities on social media. The new guidelines state that any inappropriate or offensive behavior online, including harmful comments, could result in a student’s expulsion from the school. This move is aimed at curbing cyberbullying and preventing the spread of hate speech or aggressive content among students.