The Government Resolution also outlines protocols for addressing bullying, including counselling for both victims and perpetrators
Legal action against school management for not reporting sexual offences, installation of CCTV cameras in all key areas of the schools, setting up of complaint boxes in the institute — these are among the guidelines mandated in the Government Resolution (GR) issued by Maharashrtra government Tuesday to bolster safety of school students.
GR mandates comprehensive child protection measures across all schools — government-run, aided, unaided, and private institutions — in the state.
The 23-page GR came after the Bombay High Court reprimanded the state government last month for failing to implement recommendations from a state-level committee overseeing the safety and security of children in Maharashtra’s schools.
The committee was formed after the High Court initiated a suo motu PIL in response to the sexual assault of two girls at a school in Badlapur in August 2024.
The GR strictly mandates that for every single incident or complaint of sexual offence, the management, principal, and school authorities must report the matter to the local police station or the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU). Failure to comply will result in legal action against the school management.
The GR also emphasises the establishment of technology-enabled complaint mechanisms, visible promotion of the Childline helpline 1098, and installation of complaint boxes, which must be opened twice a week by a multi-stakeholder committee to ensure a confidential and responsive grievance redressal system.
It mandates that all schools must have boundary walls and security guards posted at the main gate. Student attendance must be recorded in the morning, afternoon, and at the time of school dismissal in the evening. Parents of absent students must be informed via SMS.
Additionally, the GR outlines protocols for addressing bullying, including counselling for both victims and perpetrators.
It also mandates the formation of Sakhi Savitri committees at the school level. These bodies will be tasked with promoting the safety of girl children, monitoring vulnerable students, conducting career guidance and self-defense training, and working to prevent child marriages.
Each committee must submit regular reports and actively contribute to creating a child-friendly school environment.
The resolution requires the installation of CCTV cameras in all key areas of the school, including classrooms, corridors, and buses, with a minimum one-month video retention policy. Non-compliance may result in the withdrawal of government grants or even the derecognition of the school.
In government and local self-governing schools where CCTV has not yet been installed, the government will reserve 5 percent of allocated district funds under the District Annual (General) Plan (DPC) for the installation.
Background checks are now mandatory for all school staff, including outsourced and contractual employees.
Schools must verify staff credentials using police records and systems like the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS).
The GR states that immediate dismissal is required upon discovering any criminal history.
New directives also mandates school buses to have female attendants, be equipped with GPS and CCTV systems, and drivers will have to undergo weekly random drug and alcohol tests.
On campus, schools must provide gender-segregated, clean toilets. Girls’ facilities must include sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators. Emergency alert systems and supervision protocols around toilets are also mandatory.
Acknowledging the growing cyber threats faced by children, the GR introduces detailed cyber safety protocols. It calls for awareness programs to educate children on the importance of not sharing personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, or photographs, on social media or other online platforms. It also calls on schools to conduct age-appropriate sessions on cyber safety, covering topics such as phishing and the risks of inappropriate online activity.
The resolution mandates teacher training in student mental health and abuse detection, as well as the inclusion of self-defense and life skills in school curricula.
Each school must also set up a Student Safety Committee, comprising teachers and parents, to conduct monthly reviews of all safety initiatives.
Article Credit: indianexpress