Triple attendance, CCTV, good, bad touch training, staff verification: Maharashtra school safety guidelines

NEW DELHI : Multiple roll calls, installation of CCTV cameras, staff verification, good touch and bad touch training are among the school safety guidelines issued by Maharashtra. The directives come in the backdrop of committee formed by the Bombay High Court following Badlapur school sexual abuse case wherein two minor girls were sexually assaulted by a contractual worker inside their school premises.

As per the school safety guidelines, schools will ensure the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), reporting abuse of students through POCSO e-Box and other mechanisms, display of toll-free Child helpline number 1098 (or updated number), and meeting for safety planning, among other steps.

The Maharashtra school safety norms mandate boundary walls on all sides and a main entrance gate. A security guard must be stationed at the main gate, and strict care must be taken to ensure that no unauthorized person enters the school premises.

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Attendance, counselling, police assistance

Attendance should be recorded in the morning, afternoon, and during school dispersal in the evening. In case of absent students, their parents should be informed via SMS.

To prevent students from falling victim to mental stress, school management should provide a counseling system in schools.

At the pre-primary and primary levels, school students should be taught the difference between “Good Touch” and “Bad Touch” through demonstrations and practical sessions to help them recognize and understand the difference.

In case of serious or sensitive complaints, schools should seek assistance from the police, if necessary.

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Moreover, the identity of the complainant must be kept confidential, and it must be ensured that no harassment or trouble is caused to the complainant in connection with the complaint.

Install CCTV cameras

For all privately managed schools, it will be mandatory to install CCTV cameras at key locations within the school and its premises covering entrances to classrooms, corridors, main entry and exit gates, playgrounds, and the areas outside restrooms.

The state government noted that at least 5% of the budget allocated to the School Education Department is reserved for infrastructural development. Thus, funds from this reserved 5% allocation can be used for installing CCTV cameras.

Be it teaching or non-teaching staff (regular, outsourced, or contractual), it is mandatory to verify the candidate’s background, previous service history, and family background during the recruitment process.

Badlapur school rape case

Following the incident that occurred in Badlapur , the Maharashtra school education department issued instructions to strictly implement student safety measures in all schools across the state. Information about this and other related actions was also presented to the high court.

To formulate a policy to prevent untoward incidents involving Anganwadi, primary, and school-going children, a committee was constituted which submitted its report to the government through a letter dated February 25, 2025.