Install CCTV cameras and complaint boxes: Maharashtra govt’s guidelines for schools in the wake of Badlapur violence

Bombay: Following an incident of sexual abuse at a school in Badlapur, the Government of Maharashtra The government has ordered all schools in the state to install CCTV cameras on their premises within a month. Protests have erupted across the state following the sexual assault of two kindergarten girls at a school in Badlapur, near Mumbai.

Schools that fail to comply with the order could face severe penalties, including revocation of their operating licenses, according to an order issued by the state’s education minister. Deepak Kesarkar saying.

“All private schools in the state must comply with the department’s new guidelines, which mandate installation of CCTV cameras at appropriate locations within school premises. Non-compliance may lead to action such as withholding of financial grants or revocation of the school’s operating permit,” the order said. “Installation of a comprehensive network of CCTV cameras is a proactive measure to enhance the safety of students, teachers and staff,” the order said.

The School Education Department has also authorised the use of 5% of District Planning and Development Council funds to install CCTV camera networks in state and aided schools.

The order also requires that security camera footage be reviewed at least three times a week and that principals are responsible for contacting police if any concerning activity is captured. Schools are also instructed to conduct thorough background checks on all employees with the help of the local police station. Schools must provide police with details and photographs of their staff, it said.

The directive also mandates all schools to install complaint boxes. The government has set up a state-level committee on student safety in schools, chaired by the commissioner of school education, with six additional members and the deputy director (administration) acting as member secretary.

The committee will meet every three months to review the safety measures implemented in schools and submit reports to the state government. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who also serves as Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban district, has written to the district revenue collector requesting deployment of female staff to supervise girls’ toilets in all schools.

“All school premises, except toilets, should be under CCTV surveillance… their safety and proper functioning should be monitored regularly by police commissioners or patrolling teams,” Lodha said.

In his letter, the Minister stated that there should be a female employee outside the girls’ toilets and that only female sanitation workers should be responsible for cleaning these areas. He also insisted that all sanitation staff undergo police verification. The letter further stated that the presence of a female employee should be made mandatory in buses, taxis and vans used for transporting students.

The incident that triggered these riots took place on August 13, between 9 am and 12 pm, when a member of the school’s cleaning staff allegedly assaulted the two kindergarten students. The accused, Akshay Shinde, 23, was arrested on August 17 after the parents reported the incident to the police on August 16. Despite informing the police promptly, the FIR was not registered until around 9 pm that day, leading to widespread anger.

(With contributions from PTI)