Nagpur: The Maharashtra education department sought a detailed report into the shocking case of a four-year-old child who was locked inside a classroom for the entire night in Khaparkheda on city outskirts. Minister of state for school education Pankaj Bhoyar said he directed the deputy director of education, (Nagpur division), to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a report at the earliest.The child reportedly wandered into a classroom while playing near the school premises and was inadvertently locked inside when staff shut the building for the day without a final inspection. The boy was found safe the next morning, bringing relief to his family and residents, but the incident raised serious questions on safety protocols in schools.“I read the report in TOI and immediately asked the deputy director, education, to submit a detailed report. Safety of children is paramount. There can be no compromise when it comes to their security in school premises,” the minister told TOI.Bhoyar said strict action will be taken against those found responsible after the inquiry. “If there was negligence at any level, accountability will be fixed. Schools are entrusted with care of children, and even a single lapse is unacceptable,” Bhoyar said.The minister also announced the department will soon outline a clear standard operating procedure for locking school premises at the end of the day. According to Bhoyar, the proposed guidelines will mandate a physical verification of every classroom, toilet, playground area, and other accessible spaces before gates are locked. “Before locking classrooms and school gates, a designated staff member must conduct a final round to ensure no child remains inside. A checklist-based system will be introduced so that responsibility is clearly assigned and documented,” Bhoyar said. He added schools may also be advised to maintain a daily closing register signed by the head of the institution or an authorised official.Bhoyar stressed schools must treat student safety as a non-negotiable priority. “Children, especially those in pre-primary and primary sections, require constant supervision,” he said. The department is expected to review the Nagpur division report before deciding on further administrative or disciplinary measures.
