PCMC Schools Under Scrutiny After Badlapur Incident: Former Corporators Urge Immediate Action
Safety Gaps in Schools Exposed by Lack of Sakhi Savitri Committees
Description:
Following the Badlapur sexual abuse case, former corporators Seema Sawale and Asha Dhaigude found that schools in Pimpri-Chinchwad had not implemented Sakhi Savitri committees. They demand swift action to enforce safety reforms, including police verification and monitoring systems to protect students from abuse.
Introduction
In the wake of the disturbing sexual abuse incident in Badlapur, former corporators Seema Sawale and Asha Dhaigude conducted an inspection of schools in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area. They found that many schools had not followed the state government’s February 2023 directive to establish Sakhi Savitri committees, a key measure to prevent sexual abuse in schools. This failure has raised alarms about the lack of proper safety protocols in educational institutions.
Sakhi Savitri Committees: A Government-Mandated Safety Measure Ignored
The Maharashtra government’s directive required all schools to establish Sakhi Savitri committees to safeguard students against sexual abuse. However, after visiting various schools, Sawale and Dhaigude discovered:
- No Awareness of the Directive: Many school principals and managements were unaware of the need to set up Sakhi Savitri committees.
- Non-Compliance in Both Private and Civic Schools: Despite the state government mandate, neither PCMC-run nor private schools had set up these committees.
“This negligence is alarming and puts students’ safety at great risk,” said Dhaigude.
Recommended Safety Measures for Immediate Implementation
In light of their findings, Sawale and Dhaigude have urged the following actions to ensure student safety in schools:
1. Police Verification for All School Staff
- Background Checks: It’s crucial that all staff, including teaching and non-teaching members, undergo police verification before being hired.
- Coordination with Law Enforcement: Schools must work closely with local authorities to complete these verifications efficiently.
2. Continuous Monitoring of Staff Behavior
- Surveillance Systems: Schools should establish systems to continuously monitor staff behavior and report any suspicious activities.
- Student Reporting Systems: Schools should implement secure and anonymous platforms where students can report any inappropriate behavior by staff.
3. Strengthened Security Systems in Schools
- CCTV Surveillance: Installing CCTV cameras throughout the school will allow constant monitoring of school premises.
- Security Personnel: Schools should employ trained security staff to monitor entrances and exits and respond promptly to any incidents.
PCMC’s Role in Enforcing Safety Measures
PCMC plays a key role in ensuring that schools adhere to safety guidelines. The local government should:
- Conduct Safety Inspections: Regularly inspect schools to verify that they have implemented Sakhi Savitri committees and other safety measures.
- Provide Resources and Training: Assist schools in understanding and implementing government safety directives effectively.
Parental Concerns and Call for Action
Parents are becoming increasingly concerned about their children’s safety in schools that have not yet complied with safety protocols. They are urging authorities to act immediately and ensure that schools are safe environments for their children.
The failure of schools in Pimpri-Chinchwad to implement the Sakhi Savitri committees is a critical issue that must be addressed immediately. By implementing the recommended measures of police verification, behavior monitoring, and enhanced security, schools can become safer spaces for students. It is essential that both school authorities and the government take swift action to protect children from harm.