In the wake of violent protests in Maharashtra, fueled by outrage over the Badlapur sexual assault case, the state government has taken decisive action to address concerns over women’s and children’s safety. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the Cabinet Minister and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District, has announced a series of crucial directives aimed at bolstering security measures in schools and across the state.
Effective September 1st, self-defense training will become mandatory for all young women attending Industrial Training Institutes across Maharashtra. This initiative will also extend to schools and colleges within the Mumbai Suburban area. Minister Lodha’s letter outlines the rationale behind these measures, stating, “The increasing crimes against women and children are a matter of concern for the government, administration, and our society. The incident that occurred in Badlapur has highlighted the need for preventive measures. Such incidents are happening due to negligence regarding women’s safety.”
The directives emphasize a multi-faceted approach to ensuring a safe environment for students. Schools and colleges will be required to conduct thorough background checks on all staff members to prevent potential risks. Furthermore, the entire school premises, excluding washrooms, must be equipped with CCTV cameras, with regular inspections to ensure proper functionality. Dedicated female staff members will be assigned to monitor areas outside girls’ washrooms, and female sanitation workers will be responsible for cleaning facilities designated for underage girls and girls in the tenth grade.
The government’s commitment to safety extends beyond school grounds. Lodha’s directives mandate the presence of a female staff member on all buses, taxis, and vans used for student transportation. Additionally, police verification will be conducted on all sanitation staff working in schools. To empower young women, schools will be required to provide self-defense training through collaboration with local NGOs.
Recognizing the importance of immediate assistance in emergencies, schools will be instructed to prominently display posters encouraging children and students to utilize the 1098 helpline number. A dedicated committee composed of female parents will be established in each school to discuss issues concerning girls, with monthly meetings to ensure ongoing dialogue and address concerns. To further promote awareness, all schools and colleges will be required to display posters in classrooms and throughout the premises, informing women and girls about the 181 helpline for emergencies.
These comprehensive measures represent a significant step towards enhancing safety for women and children in Maharashtra. The government’s commitment to proactive measures and its emphasis on education, awareness, and empowerment aim to create a safer and more secure environment for all citizens.
