Lodha Orders Enhanced Security Measures for Women, Children in Mumbai Suburban

Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has directed the Mumbai Suburban District's District Collector to ramp up safety protocols for women and children. New measures include self-defense training, rigorous checks on school staff, and increased surveillance in educational institutions, all aimed at curbing crimes against women and children.

Cabinet Minister and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, has issued crucial instructions to the District Collector regarding the safety of women and children. In a letter, he stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive measures to protect women and female students in various schools and colleges within Mumbai Suburban.

The minister emphasized that self-defense training will be provided to young women in all Industrial Training Institutes and educational institutions in the area starting September 1. Lodha pointed out that the rising crimes against women and children are deeply concerning for the government, administration, and society. He mentioned an incident in Badlapur that highlighted public suggestions for preventive measures. Negligence in women's safety should be addressed with strict guidelines to educational institutions from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. Thorough staff verification is essential to prevent any untoward incidents, and all precautions must be taken.

Minister Lodha's instructions included installing CCTV cameras throughout school premises, except for washrooms, and having their functionality regularly monitored by police teams. Female staff should be assigned to supervise girls' washrooms, and female sanitation workers should be responsible for cleaning these areas. Mandatory female staff presence in student transport vehicles and police verification of sanitation staff were also highlighted. Schools should collaborate with local NGOs to provide self-defense training and display posters encouraging children to use the 1098 helpline in emergencies. A separate committee of female parents should meet monthly to address girls' issues, and posters about the 181 helpline should be placed prominently.

(With inputs from agencies.)