Maharashtra Mandates CCTV Installation in Schools After Badlapur Sexual Abuse Incident

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 22nd August. Following the recent incident of sexual abuse at a school in Badlapur, the Maharashtra government has issued a directive requiring all schools in the state to install CCTV cameras on their premises within a month. School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced on Wednesday that non-compliance with this order could result in severe penalties, including the revocation of the school’s operating permit.

This move comes in response to widespread protests across the state after the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls at a Badlapur school, which led to the arrest of a school attendant. The new guidelines mandate that all private schools install CCTV cameras at strategic locations within their premises. Schools that fail to adhere to this directive risk losing financial grants or even their license to operate.

The installation of CCTV cameras is intended to enhance the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff. To support this initiative, the school education department has authorized the use of 5% of the funds allocated for schools under the District Planning and Development Council for the establishment of CCTV networks in state-run and aided schools.

According to the directive, the CCTV footage must be reviewed at least three times a week, and principals are responsible for contacting the police if any suspicious activity is detected. Additionally, school managements are instructed to conduct thorough background checks on all employees, with the assistance of the local police station.

The order also requires schools to provide complaint boxes and sets up a state-level school students safety committee, headed by the school education commissioner, to oversee and review safety measures. This committee will meet quarterly and submit regular reports to the state government.

In a related development, cabinet minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who serves as the guardian minister for Mumbai suburban district, has requested that the district collector deploy female staff in girls’ washrooms at all schools. Lodha also emphasized that CCTV surveillance should cover the entire school premises, excluding washrooms, and called for regular checks of camera functionality by police teams. He further suggested that female staff be present on school buses, taxis, and vans used for student transportation, and that sanitation staff undergo police verification.