School Kids’ Safety is Non Negotiable – Maharashtra Introduces Strict 15-Point Safety Guidelines for Schools

In response to last year’s horrific sexual assault on two 4-year-old girls at a Badlapur school, the Maharashtra government has issued a stringent 15-point safety guideline for all schools across the state. The new rules mandate roll calls thrice a day, compulsory CCTV surveillance, and thorough background checks for staff appointments.
Key Measures to Protect Students
The guidelines require schools to immediately report any sexual assault complaints to local police and notify parents if a student is absent or missing. Additionally, schools must conduct “good touch-bad touch” workshops for young students and include self-defence training in their curriculum.
To strengthen accountability, schools must display helpline numbers—including POCSO e-box, CHIRAG app, and child helpline 1098—and ensure students know how to use them. Complaint boxes on school premises must be opened twice a week in the presence of a committee that includes parents’ representatives.
Strict Surveillance and Staff Screening
Private schools must install CCTV cameras, including near toilets, and retain footage for at least a month. Government schools can use 5% of district education funds for this purpose. Principals must review CCTV footage weekly and alert police if any suspicious activity is detected.
Background checks for new staff will now be mandatory using the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) database. Schools are also encouraged to hire female staff for pre-primary and primary sections.
Additional Safety Protocols
- School buses must have CCTV cameras and a female attendant.
- Drivers and bus staff must undergo Breathalyzer tests to prevent substance abuse.
- Schools must ensure no tobacco or pan shops operate within a 1-km radius, with local police assistance.
- A Sakhi-Savitri committee will be formed to promote girls’ enrolment and self-defence training.
- Students will receive digital safety training to prevent misuse of their photos and videos.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance
Schools failing to follow these guidelines risk losing government grants or even having their approvals revoked. An education department official warned, “Private schools may face consequences during renewal, while aided schools could see funding cuts.”
These measures stem from recommendations by an 18-member committee formed after the Badlapur incident. The state aims to create a safer environment for students, ensuring such tragedies never recur.