HC Urges State Govt to Implement Safety Measures Across Schools

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra government to consider adopting the recommendations of a state-appointed committee to enhance the safety of children in schools.

- Prateem Rohanekar

MUMBAI:

The bench, comprising Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale, was hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the sexual assault of two pre-primary students at a school in Badlapur East.

During the proceedings, public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar submitted a report prepared by the 20-member committee, which convened over three times between October and December.

The committee received 1,493 suggestions and reviewed existing guidelines and circulars related to child safety in schools.

The report proposed several key measures, including educating children on good and bad touch, mandatory installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV)s within school premises, appointing female attendants in school corridors, forming school safety committees, and making schools responsible for student transportation.

Additionally, it recommended holding school heads and management representatives accountable for any incidents within school premises.