Pune: The Maharashtra state government has issued a directive mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in all government, grant-aided, and non-aided residential and non-residential institutions for disabled children.

These include special schools, workshops, and orphanages for mentally challenged students. The directive, issued under the Divyang Welfare Department, requires the installation of surveillance cameras within the next 15 days to ensure the safety of students.

The decision comes in the wake of increasing concerns over the safety of students in educational institutions across the state. Recent incidents of misconduct in schools and colleges have prompted the government to prioritize the security of students, particularly female students.

In the issued order, the government emphasized the need for special schools and hostels to create a safe and nurturing environment that fosters the educational and skill development of disabled students.

Schools and hostels are now required to place CCTV cameras at key locations, including entrances, playgrounds, classrooms, restrooms, dining halls, staircases, offices, libraries, and laboratories.

V. P. Ghodke, Deputy Secretary of the Divyang Welfare Department, stressed that the safety of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff must be ensured at all times. Institutions that have not yet installed CCTV systems have been instructed to do so immediately, with failure to comply resulting in potential penalties.

In addition to surveillance measures, the state government has also outlined several preventive steps to improve overall security and transparency in these institutions.

These include the establishment of complaint boxes and Vishakha Committees (tasked with addressing complaints of sexual harassment) to allow for the reporting of grievances. Any reported issues must be investigated thoroughly, with a mandatory response from the administration.

The state has also defined the responsibilities of the newly-formed State-level Student Safety Committee. 

This body will be required to conduct online meetings once per academic session, make provisions for student rehabilitation in the event of any unfortunate incidents, and submit reports to the government outlining the actions taken.

The committee will also be held accountable if any attempt is made to conceal or suppress information regarding incidents of misconduct.