Maharashtra Introduces 'Vishakha Committees' After School Abuse Outrage

In response to the alleged sexual abuse of two young girls at a Badlapur school, Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced the formation of 'Vishakha committees' in schools. Schools with non-functional CCTV cameras face penalties, and regular checks on complaint boxes are mandatory.

Amid public outrage over the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced major policy changes on Tuesday.

Kesarkar stated that 'Vishakha committees' would be formed in schools to handle internal complaints of sexual harassment. He emphasized that schools with non-functional CCTV cameras would face strict action.

A government circular will mandate that schools be held accountable for any lapses, and checks on complaint boxes are to be conducted regularly. A review meeting had previously assessed the formation of 'Sakhi Savitri committees' in schools, with immediate action promised for non-compliance.

(With inputs from agencies.)