The Maharashtra government has taken significant steps to enhance the safety of girls in schools by issuing comprehensive guidelines, which include mandatory installation of CCTV cameras on school premises.
These directives were conveyed by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Cabinet Minister and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District, who emphasised the urgent need to address the increasing crimes against women and children.
In his communication with the District Collector of Mumbai Suburban, Lodha highlighted the critical importance of ensuring safety for female students in schools and colleges across the region.
He pointed out that the alarming rise in crimes against women and children has become a pressing concern for the government, administration, and society at large. The recent incident in Badlapur, which sparked public outcry, served as a catalyst for the introduction of preventive measures aimed at safeguarding young women and girls.
Starting September 1, self-defence training will be made available to young women in all Industrial Training Institutes across the state, as well as in schools and colleges within the Mumbai Suburban area.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower female students and equip them with the skills necessary to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
Minister Lodha underscored the need for stringent safety protocols in educational institutions. He instructed that the entire school premises, except for washrooms, be placed under the surveillance of CCTV cameras.
The proper installation and regular maintenance of these cameras will be monitored by beat marshals or patrolling police teams to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Furthermore, schools are required to assign a female staff member to monitor the areas outside girls’ washrooms, while female sanitation workers will be responsible for cleaning washrooms designated for underage girls and those in the tenth grade.
The guidelines also extend to the transportation of students, with a mandate that a female staff member must be present on buses, taxis, and vans used for student transportation. Additionally, police verification of sanitation staff working in schools is to be conducted to further ensure the safety of students.
To bolster these efforts, schools have been instructed to collaborate with local NGOs to provide self-defence training to girls. In the event of an emergency, students are encouraged to report incidents using the 1098 helpline number, with posters displaying this information to be prominently placed within schools.
A separate committee comprising female parents is to be established in each school, with monthly meetings held to address issues concerning girls’ safety.
Lastly, all schools and colleges have been directed to put up posters in every classroom and on their premises, informing women and girls about the 181 helpline for emergencies.
This initiative is part of the government's broader commitment to creating a safer environment for young women and girls, ensuring that their educational experience is secure and free from fear.
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