China to step up efforts to ensure campus safety

The State Council, China's cabinet, on Wednesday mapped out measures to ensure safety on campus, stressing that those who engage in violent crimes on campus will be severely punished.

"Ensuring safety in primary and middle schools and kindergartens should be a public security priority," said a statement released after a State Council executive meeting, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

Heads of schools and kindergartens should be held accountable for campus safety, it said, adding that the students should be taught to value life and the rights of others.

In addition to lessons on basic safety, the schools were told to hold earthquake, fire and anti-stampede drills.

Schools must have necessary security personnel, as well as CCTV systems and alarms, should conditions allow, according to the statement.

More police should be deployed around schools and kindergartens, it said.

The central government ordered the establishment of an effective mechanism to prevent and control bullying and violence, vowing to punish violators implicated in serious incidents.

School buildings must be up to national safety and quality standards, it said, adding that builders, designers and supervisors will be held accountable for life.

Education and public security agencies at all levels should designate departments to manage security risks on campus, while supervisory agencies were urged to step up supervision and checks on sanitation, disease prevention and food safety in schools.

Safety incidents on campus should be dealt with immediately and properly, and public concerns should be addressed in a timely manner, it said.

A draft regulation to enforce the Statistics Law was also passed during Wednesday's meeting. Endi