In response to a recent sexual abuse case 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 one month. The order, issued on Wednesday, includes several measures aimed at increasing safety and accountability in schools.
The directive from the school education department mandates that school managements conduct thorough background checks of all employees with assistance from local police stations. Additionally, schools are required to implement strict precautions during the recruitment of non-teaching staff and maintain vigilance over current employees. Schools must also provide the local police with employee details and photographs, and install complaint boxes on their premises.
Failure to comply with these measures could result in severe penalties, including the withholding of financial grants or revocation of operating permissions, according to the order issued by School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar.
Furthermore, the department has authorized the use of up to five percent of allocated funds from the District Planning and Development Council to establish CCTV networks in state-run and aided schools. CCTV footage must be reviewed at least three times a week, with principals responsible for reporting any concerning incidents to the police.
In addition, Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare announced that the “Good Touch, Bad Touch” program will be made mandatory across all government and private schools. This initiative aims to educate students about personal boundaries and prevent abuse. Tatkare emphasized the importance of this program in light of the recent Badlapur incident and stated that it will be discussed with the School Education Department.