In response to recent public outcry over the assault of two girls at a Badlapur school, the state’s School Education Department has issued new safety directives. The department has ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in all government, local body, and private management schools within one month. Schools failing to comply face potential loss of grants and recognition.
This decision revives a longstanding issue: while the then Police Commissioner Dr. K Venkatesham had advocated for GPS and CCTV installations in school buses as early as 2017, progress has been slow. Although some CBSE schools adopted these measures as a pilot project, about 95 percent of school buses still lack these safety features.
In 2017, the CBSE mandated the use of CCTV and GPS systems in school buses and required these devices to be operational at all times. Despite these regulations and initial instructions from Dr. Venkatesham, comprehensive implementation lagged, especially following his transfer.
The renewed push for CCTV installation in school transportation comes amidst growing concerns from parents about the safety of their children.