Maharashtra Mandates Installation of CCTVs in Schools Within One Month Following Badlapur Violence

Protests erupted in Maharashtra following alleged sexual abuse of two girls at a school in Badlapur. The order issued by School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar stated that failure to comply may result in severe consequences such as revocation of the permission to operate.

Protests have broken out in many parts of the state following the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls at a school in Badlapur near Mumbai. A school attendant was arrested in the case.

The order mandates the installation of CCTV cameras at appropriate locations within school premises. It stated that failure to comply may result in actions such as withholding financial grants or revocation of the school’s operating permit.

The installation of a comprehensive CCTV camera network is aimed to enhance the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff. The school education department has also permitted the use of funds allocated for schools in the District Planning and Development Council to establish CCTV camera networks in state-run and aided schools.

The CCTV footage should be examined at least three times a week and the principal is responsible for contacting the police if any concerning incident is captured. The department also instructed school managements to conduct thorough background checks of all employees with the assistance of the local police station.

Schools should provide the local police station with the details and photographs of their employees. The order also mandates that all schools must provide complaint boxes.

A state-level school student safety committee has been set up, to be headed by the school education commissioner and meet once every three months to review various safety measures and submit reports to the state government. Cabinet minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the guardian minister for Mumbai suburban district, requested the deployment of female staff at girls’ washrooms in all schools.

He further outlined measures such as the installation of CCTV cameras in school premises and the regular checking of washrooms by female staff. He also proposed that only women sanitation workers undergo police verification and emphasized the mandatory presence of a woman staff member in student transportation vehicles.

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