In the wake of the terror attack on a school in Peshawar, Pakistan, the Indian government has asked all states to beef up security particularly in educational institutions.

"An advisory has been issued to the state governments," Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters outside Parliament House.

He was responding to queries about steps taken by the government to ensure security of schools in the wake of terror strike on a Peshawar school.

Though the minister did not elaborate, officials in the Home Ministry had said that the guidelines for schools will include asking them to prepare an escape plan for children in case of a terror attack, how to prevent hostage situation, how to raise alarm and shut doors and gates in case of an emergency.

"The earlier advisory was issued by the Home Ministry in 2010 to prominent schools and institutions after 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused David Coleman Headley was arrested in the US. We will revisit the advisory and send it afresh considering the present situation," a Home Ministry official has said.

Pic: A man lights candles to mourn the victims from the Army Public School in Peshawar. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters