Maharashtra Tightens School Safety with New Guidelines Following Badlapur Sexual Assault
In the wake of the recent sexual assault case in Badlapur, Maharashtra, the state government has taken decisive action to bolster the safety of women and children in educational institutions. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the Cabinet Minister and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District, has directed the Mumbai Suburban District Collector to implement strict safety measures across schools and colleges to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The Bombay High Court has also responded to the severity of the situation, taking suo moto cognizance of the sexual assault case involving minor girls in a school in Badlapur. This development underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation.
Starting from September 1st, a new initiative will see self-defense training being introduced for young women across all Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) statewide, as well as in schools and colleges within the Mumbai Suburban area. This measure aims to equip students with the skills necessary to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
New Safety Guidelines Announced
Minister Lodha, in a formal letter, expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of crimes against women and children, stating, “The increasing crimes against women and children are a matter of concern for the government, administration, and our society. The incident that occurred in Badlapur has provided public suggestions for preventive measures. Such incidents are happening due to negligence regarding women’s safety.”
He stressed the need for heightened vigilance within educational institutions, particularly in the Mumbai Suburban area. “Keeping this in mind, strict instructions should be given to all educational institutions from kindergarten to postgraduate levels in the Mumbai Suburban area. Schools, colleges, and various institutions should also thoroughly verify the staff appointed by them to ensure no untoward incidents occur, and everyone should take precautions!”
Among the newly issued guidelines, Minister Lodha highlighted the importance of comprehensive surveillance across school premises. “The entire school premises, except for washrooms, should be brought under the surveillance of CCTV cameras. Cameras should be installed, and their safety and proper functioning should be regularly checked by beat marshals or patrolling police teams.” This measure is intended to deter potential offenders and ensure a swift response to any suspicious activities.
Another critical directive involves the assignment of female staff members to monitor the areas outside girls’ washrooms. Lodha instructed, “A female staff member should be permanently assigned to monitor outside the girls’ washrooms. It should be strictly enforced that female sanitation workers are responsible for cleaning washrooms meant for underage girls and girls studying in the tenth grade.”
Moreover, the guidelines extend to student transportation, mandating that “a female staff member present in buses, taxis, and vans that are used for student transportation. Police verification of the sanitation staff working in schools should be conducted.” This move is aimed at ensuring that students are protected both on and off school premises.
The government has also placed a strong emphasis on self-defense training for girls, to be facilitated by local NGOs. Schools are required to arrange these training sessions, empowering students to defend themselves if necessary.
In addition, Lodha emphasized the importance of creating awareness about available emergency helplines. He stated, “In case of an emergency in the school, children/students should be encouraged to report the incident to the 1098 helpline number. Posters regarding this should be displayed in schools.”
A separate committee composed of female parents is to be established in each school to discuss and address issues related to the safety of girls. These committees are expected to hold monthly meetings, ensuring continuous dialogue and swift action on any concerns raised.
Furthermore, Lodha insisted that all schools and colleges must prominently display posters in every classroom and on the premises, informing women and girls about the 181 helpline that can be used in emergencies.
The Maharashtra government’s swift and comprehensive response to the Badlapur sexual assault case reflects a serious commitment to improving the safety of women and children in educational settings. By implementing these new guidelines, the state aims to create a safer and more secure environment for students. The introduction of self-defense training, increased surveillance, and the establishment of safety committees are significant steps towards achieving this goal.
Stay informed about the latest developments in educational safety by following our updates. If you’re a parent, educator, or concerned citizen, share these guidelines with your community to help spread awareness and ensure the safety of our children.
