Pune: In a proactive move to safeguard students and foster a nurturing environment in schools, the state government has mandated the creation of Sakhi Savitri Committees across all schools in Pune district.

With the aim of promoting student safety, well-being, and gender equality, these committees have been established in over 4,861 primary and secondary schools throughout the district, according to the state’s Education Department.

The Sakhi Savitri Committees will act as a vital platform for addressing any concerns or challenges faced by students within the school premises.

The primary goal is to ensure that both boys and girls can attend school without fear, while receiving the support they need for a positive educational experience. The Education Department confirmed that the committees are not only formed but have already begun operations.

The committee's creation is part of a larger strategy to promote inclusivity and equality within the education system.

Each committee comprises a wide range of stakeholders from the local community to ensure comprehensive support for students.

The committees are chaired by the School Management Committee president and include female teachers, counselors, healthcare professionals, Anganwadi workers, police patils, women representatives from the Gram Panchayat, parents, and students. The principal of each school serves as the member-secretary.

Among the key responsibilities of the Sakhi Savitri Committees are reintegrating out-of-school children into mainstream education, providing counseling services to students and parents, raising awareness about government educational schemes, and offering career guidance to students.

Additionally, the committees will organize specialized self-defense training programs for girls and promote discussions on health-related habits.

Another important aspect of the committee's work is to prevent child marriages by raising awareness among parents and offering support to children from marginalized and underprivileged communities.

By implementing gender-neutral and inclusive activities, the committee aims to create a healthy and abuse-free environment within schools, ensuring that no student falls victim to harassment or discrimination.