Triggered by a distressing incident in Badlapur, and subsequent Mumbai High Court intervention via Public Interest Litigation, the Maharashtra government has unveiled comprehensive guidelines to ensure the safety of students across all schools, as outlined in Government Resolution (GR) issued by the School Education and Sports Department.
It mandates strict adherence to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, requiring schools to report offenses against children under 18 to police, with non-compliance inviting legal action. Education officers must educate schools about the Act within a month. To enhance safety, schools must install complaint boxes, checked twice weekly by Parent-Teacher Association and Sakhi Savitri Committee members, ensuring confidentiality. Notice boards will display details of POCSO e-Box, the “CHIRAG” app, and Child Helpline Number 1098.
Physical security measures include boundary walls, security guards and mandatory CCTV cameras in private schools, with government schools tapping district funds for installation.
Separate toilets for female attendants and panic buttons are also required. School transport safety is prioritised, with GPS-equipped buses, regular inspections, and female attendants for young children.
Cyber safety initiatives will educate students on online risks, phishing, and safe social media use, with schools implementing antivirus software and internet filters.
Counseling services, anti-bullying campaigns, and 'good touch, bad touch' lessons aim to foster emotional well-being.
Sakhi Savitri Committees, established in 2022, will ensure 100% enrollment, prevent child marriages, and promote self-defense for girls, submitting monthly reports.
Student safety committees will monitor compliance, displaying certificates prominently. SCERT, Pune, will train teachers on child protection and crisis management, with self-defense and sexual education integrated into the curriculum. “This GR is a milestone in prioritising student safety,” said a department official.
While hailed as progressive, implementation in resource-constrained schools remains a challenge.
