Maharashtra Schools to Install CCTV Cameras After Sexual Abuse Incident

Following a sexual abuse incident at a school in Badlapur, the Maharashtra government has mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in all schools within a month. Schools failing to comply may face severe consequences, such as the revocation of their operating permits. Other measures include staff background checks and regular CCTV footage reviews.

In response to a recent sexual abuse incident at a Badlapur school, the Maharashtra government has ordered all schools in the state to install CCTV cameras on their premises within a month. The directive aims to enhance student safety and warns of severe penalties for non-compliance.

According to an order issued by School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, schools that fail to comply with the CCTV installation guideline risk having their operating permits revoked. The mandate follows protests in the state after two kindergarten girls were allegedly sexually abused by a school attendant who has since been arrested.

Beyond CCTV installations, the order outlines other safety measures, such as conducting background checks on staff, providing complaint boxes, and establishing a state-level school students safety committee. This committee, chaired by the school education commissioner, will review safety measures quarterly and report to the state government. Additional recommendations include deploying female staff in girls' washrooms and during student transportation.

(With inputs from agencies.)