Mumbai: Principals and child rights experts have largely welcomed the Maharashtra government’s directive mandating CCTV installation, staff scrutiny, and student counselling in schools, viewing it as a necessary step to bolster safety on campuses. The move comes in the aftermath of a disturbing incident in August last year, where two kindergarten students were sexually assaulted in the toilet of a school in Badlapur, Thane district.
The government resolution (GR), issued on Tuesday, outlines mandatory safety measures for all government-run, aided, unaided, and private schools in the state. These include the installation of CCTV cameras in key areas, background verification of staff, appointment of counsellors, establishment of student complaint boxes, and strict legal action against schools that fail to report sexual offences.
Dr Swati Popat Vats, President of the Early Childhood Association, called the resolution a positive and timely intervention. “In today’s day and age, nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of children. Making these safety protocols mandatory is a bold and much-needed decision by the government,” she said.
However, not all schools are on equal footing when it comes to resources. Many institutions, especially in rural or low-income areas, may lack the infrastructure or funds required to meet the GR’s demands.
Father Francis Swamy, Principal of Campion School in Fort, acknowledged the value of the directive but urged the state to provide practical support. “While this is a commendable move, the challenge lies in implementation. Not all schools have the capacity to install CCTV or hire trained counsellors. The government must consider financial support mechanisms, or even encourage crowdfunding or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships to bridge the gap,” he explained.
On the other hand some experts argue that ensuring child safety cannot be dependent on external funding. Susieben Shah, former Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, believes the responsibility lies squarely with school managements. “If you are running a school, student safety must be your first priority. Financial constraints cannot justify negligence. Institutions must plan for safety just as they do for academics,” she said.
As schools begin the process of complying with the new guidelines, stakeholders agree that the directive is a step in the right direction. But its long-term success, they say, will depend on a sustained commitment to both funding and enforcement — especially in the state’s most vulnerable institutions.
