Legal action will be taken against school managements failing to report sexual offenses, as part of new guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government to enhance student safety. These directives, outlined in a 23-page Government Resolution (GR), mandate comprehensive child protection measures across all schools—government-run, aided, unaided, and private—across the state.
This GR follows a reprimand from the Bombay High Court to the state government for neglecting recommendations from a committee overseeing child safety in schools. This committee was established after the court initiated a public interest litigation in response to the sexual assault of two girls at a school in Badlapur in August 2024.
Under the new guidelines, every incident or complaint of sexual offenses must be reported to the local police or the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) by the school management, principals, and authorities. Non-compliance will lead to legal repercussions for the school management.
The GR emphasizes the creation of technology-enabled complaint mechanisms, the promotion of the Childline helpline (1098), and the installation of complaint boxes that a multi-stakeholder committee will open twice a week to ensure confidentiality and a responsive grievance system. It also requires that all schools be gated and have security personnel at the main entrance. Attendance must be recorded three times daily, and parents will receive SMS notifications for any absences.
Additionally, the GR lays out protocols for handling bullying, offering counseling for both victims and perpetrators. It mandates the formation of “Sakhi Savitri” committees within schools, responsible for promoting the safety of girl students, mentoring vulnerable children, and providing career guidance and self-defense training.
CCTV cameras are required in all major areas of the school, including classrooms, corridors, and buses, with footage retained for at least a month. Failure to install these cameras may result in losing government grants or derecognition. Schools yet to install CCTV will see 5 percent of their allocated district funds designated for this purpose.
Background checks are now mandatory for all school personnel, including outsourced staff. Credential verification must include checks against police records and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). Any discovery of a criminal background necessitates immediate dismissal.
Newly issued directives also state that school buses must have female attendants, be equipped with GPS and CCTV, and drivers should undergo weekly random drug and alcohol testing. On school premises, gender-segregated and clean toilets are required, with facilities for girls including sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators, in addition to emergency alert systems near toilets.
Recognizing the rising cyber threats, the GR introduces detailed cybersecurity measures, urging awareness programs about the risks of sharing personal information online. Schools are encouraged to conduct age-appropriate sessions on cyber safety, as well as to include mental health training for teachers and self-defense in the curriculum.
Each school must establish a Student Safety Committee, including teachers and parents, to review safety measures monthly. These initiatives underscore a decisive step toward creating a safer environment for children in Maharashtra’s educational institutions.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/after-bombay-hc-rap-govt-rolls-out-guidelines-for-school-students-safety-cctvs-complaint-boxes-staff-background-checks-10001802/
Category: Cities,Mumbai
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Publish Date: 2025-05-13 22:59:00
